Shocking Act Of Censorship: Twitter Account of Manipur Tribal Forum Blocked In India

Amid violence in Manipur, the Twitter handle of the tribal forum Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) which is spearheading the agitation against the Biren Singh-led BJP government in Manipur, has been withheld in India.

"ITLF Media Cell account has been withheld in India in response to a legal demand," reads a statement on the tribal body's Twitter page.

Terming it as a shocking act of censorship, a statement issued by ITLF said its handle has been blocked in response to a legal demand.

"The ITLF Media Cell Twitter account, vital for raising awareness about Kuki-Zo tribal communities in Manipur, has been blocked in India. Despite tirelessly working towards addressing their challenges, this censorship is yet another attempt to stifle marginalized voices," a statement on the tribal body's Twitter page reads.

The group said that it has been subjected to "a shocking act of censorship" and that taking down the Twitter account "is yet another attempt to stifle the already marginalized Kuki-Zo tribal voice".

It further stated that this amounts to a violation of Article 19 (freedom of speech and expression) of the Indian Constitution.

"Blocking of the ITLF Media Cell Twitter account is yet another attempt to stifle the already marginalized Kuki-Zo tribal voice. This act comes as an addition to the already crippling 40+ days of internet shutdown in the Manipur Hills districts (minimal restriction in the valley districts), severely limiting and hampering the ability of the Kuki-Zo tribals to report on-ground daily incidents of attacks perpetrated by state-sponsored Meitei separatists, rampaging Meitei mobs including Meira Paibis, and radicalized groups such as Arambai Tenggol and Meetei Leepun," the statement added.

Violence had erupted in Manipur on May 3 after a Tribal Solidarity March to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. So far, nearly 100 people have lost their lives and over 300 have been injured.