Internet snapped for 5 days as Manipur remains tense

The situation in Manipur continues to remain tense and internet has been snapped for five more days following fresh clashes.

On Friday night fresh clashes broke out between protesters and police personnel. The security forces had to resort to tear gas, batons and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd, which had tried to violate Section 144 which has been enforced in the Churachandpur town.

Large gatherings have been banned and mobile internet service has been suspended in Churachandpur after a mob vandalised and set on fire the site of an event that the Chief Minister of Manipur N Biren Singh was scheduled to attend.

The mob violence was undertaken by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum, which has been objecting to the government's survey of reserved and protected forest and the wetlands.

The protesters came out on the roads in large numbers and set ablaze vehicles, following which the security forces used tear gas shells and blank fire.

"To prevent any disturbance to the peace and order the suspension of mobile internet services shall be in force for the next five days with immediate effect in Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts," read an order issued by the Home Department.

The streets wore a deserted look following the 8-hour bandh call by the Indigo Tribal Leaders Forum. They are demanding the eviction of villagers from the protected forests.

The Chief Minister however questioned the "indigenousness" ITLF, which had called for the bandh. He said, 'what indigenous people? We are indigenous people. Nagas are indigenous people, Kunis are indigenous people. What indigenous tribal?"