GUWAHATI: The District Magistrate of Imphal West, Th. Kirankumar, issued an immediate curfew order, cancelling the previously announced relaxation for Saturday, November 16 in response to law and order concerns in Manipur. The relaxation, which allowed residents to move freely between 5:00 AM and 8:00 PM, was revoked as of 4:30 PM due to the worsening security situation. The total curfew, effective from the same time, will remain in place until further notice.
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However, individuals working in essential services—including health, electricity, public distribution, petroleum, municipalities, the media, and the judiciary—are exempted from the curfew. The movement of flight passengers to and from the airport, along with contractors and workers holding a valid Airport Entry Permit, will also continue as normal.
Additionally, the Home Department of Manipur took action to curb the spread of misinformation and inflammatory content that could further destabilise the region. Fearing the circulation of hate speech, false rumours, and incitement to violence via social media and messaging services, the state government suspended all internet and mobile data services, including broadband, mobile data, VSATs, and VPN services, across the affected districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur. This suspension will last for two days, beginning at 5:15 PM on November 16. Government offices and some specific connections may be exempt from the restrictions.
The temporary suspension of telecom services was authorised under the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, to maintain peace and protect public safety.
