Mobile Internet Shut In Manipur Following Protests Over Contentious Bill

Over 30 tribal students were injured in capital Imphal on Saturday when the police stopped a protest rally. Five tribal student leaders were arrested and sent to jail for 15 days.

Two new amendments to a highly contentious Bill relating to greater autonomy for Hill districts of Manipur have triggered massive protests and subsequent state backlash in the northeastern state. The tribal students' body in the state has imposed an indefinite economic blockade and bandhs (shutdowns) have thrown life out of gear. 

Over 30 tribal students were injured in capital Imphal on Saturday when the police stopped a protest rally. Five tribal student leaders were arrested and sent to jail for 15 days.

Mobile data services have been suspended for five days across Manipur, an order issued by Special Secretary (Home) H Gyan Prakash said on Saturday. According to the order, some anti-social elements are using social media to transmit hate speeches inciting the passions of the public.Demanding the release of its arrested leaders, the tribal students' body All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM) has imposed an indefinite economic blockade on highways. Some incidents of arson, including setting a vehicle ablaze, have been reported.

The protest in Imphal was to demand more autonomy for hill areas.