Net suspended in buffer zones of Manipur till Jan 17

Imphal: In view of the prevailing situation, the Manipur government on Wednesday suspended mobile internet services in buffer zones for 15 more days.According to the order of the state home commissioner, the operation of mobile towers catering to services within a 2km radius along adjoining areas between districts such as Chandel and Kakching, Churachandpur and Bishnupur, Churachandpur and Kakching, Kangpokpi and Imphal West, Kangpokpi and Imphal East, Kangpokpi and Thoubal and Tengnoupal and Kakching have been suspended till January 17. It must be recalled that barring these nine areas, the government had restored internet services across the state on December 3, several months after the outbreak of violence on May 3. Following the fresh incident of shooting at Lilong Chingjao on Monday in which five people were killed and 14 injured, a series of heated arguments and confrontational exchanges took place on social media, with the potential to spark a communal conflict and misunderstanding in the already strife-torn state.Condemning the incident, different civil society organisations of the Meitei-Pangal community issued statements urging the prosecution of those responsible under the law, as well as asking social media users to refrain from spreading rumors that might stir communal strife in the state. CM N Biren Singh and CSOs from the Meitei-Pangal community, along with religious leaders, convened a meeting in this regard in Lilong on January 1. Another meeting was held on Wednesday at the CM’s bungalow in which Rajya Sabha MP Sanajaoba Leishemba, works minister K Govindas and Lilong A/C MLA Abdul Nasir were present.

Manipur firing incident: Situation tense in Lilong Chingjao, toll rises to 4

Additional security forces deployed in minority-dominated Lilong Chingjao area in Manipur's Thoubal district after four villagers were gunned down by unidentified assailants. The toll increased to four after one more person succumbed to injuries. Curfew imposed in five districts of Imphal Valley due to prevailing law and order situation. Few vehicles seen plying roads as most commercial establishments remain closed.

Manipur CM N Biren Singh meets injured security personnel after fresh violence in the state

Fresh violence in Moreh, Manipur; mercenaries from Myanmar involved, confirmed by CM. State government's actions approved by central government ministries. Injured security personnel and civilians visited by CM. Curfew re-imposed in Imphal West and Thoubal district. Security forces conduct search operations and area domination. Strict security measures ensure movement of vehicles. 140 Nakas/Checkpoints installed; 238 persons detained.

Guard injured in Imphal bomb attack dies

A 23-year-old village guard from Tumukhong village in Imphal East district, identified as Chingakham Lamyanba, died in a bomb attack and subsequent surgery in a hospital. The deceased's father has decided to hand over his body to the people of Manipur. CM N Biren Singh announced that a delegation would visit Delhi to discuss the matter with central leadership.