Manipur tensions: protesting youths threaten to self-immolate

Imphal: Tensions are rising again in Manipur after the arrest of a Meitei leader. Following the arrest, youths poured petrol on themselves and threatened to commit suicide. They were protesting wearing black T-shirts and carrying petrol bottles. The protesters alleged that they provided weapons and flood relief to the administration, but it is only themselves getting arrested in the end. Following the leader’s arrest, tyres were burned, and roads were blocked on Saturday night. There are reports of gunshots being heard in many places in Imphal.

The Manipur government has suspended Internet and mobile data services in the territorial jurisdiction of five valley districts for five days after widespread protests in Imphal East and Imphal West districts following the reported arrest of a leader of the Meitei radical outfit ‘Arambai Tenggol’, IANS reported citing officials accounts.

Manipur’s Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home), N. Ashok Kumar, in an order issued late on Saturday night, said, “In view of the prevailing law and order situation in the state of Manipur, especially in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts districts, there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public which might have serious repercussions for the law and order situation in the state of Manipur.”

“...there is an imminent danger of loss of life and/or damage to public/private property, and widespread disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony, as a result of inflammatory material and false rumours, which might be transmitted/circulated to the public through social media/messaging services on mobile services, SMS services and dongle services,” the order said.