Manipur extends ban on internet services as violence continues

In another development on Thursday, the Supreme Court refused to entertain plea against internet shutdown in Manipur. It directed petitioners to approach the Manipur High Court instead. The plea had challenged the suspension of internet services in the state since May 3. "The High Court is already seized of a similar issue," the Supreme Court said on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Opposition members walked out from parliament panel meet after their demand to discuss Manipur situation was denied, sources told PTI.

The violence in Manipur continues, with the state staring at food shortage amid the chaos. Officials said on Wednesday that the house of an Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) personnel was torched by a mob in the Thoubal district after he foiled the attempts of rioters to loot firearms from the police armoury.

The incident took place at Samaram late Tuesday after a 27-year-old man, identified as Ronaldo, was killed in a clash when a 700-800-strong mob tried to storm the camp of the third IRB at Wangbal, 4 km away, to loot firearms from the police armoury.

Meanwhile, firing was reported during the day in Luangshangol or Phaileng area along the border of Imphal West and Kangpokpi districts. Security forces controlled the situation, the police said in a statement.

The mob also attacked a team of the Assam Rifles that was on the way to the camp. They fired on the personnel, in which a jawan was injured, and torched their vehicle, officials said.

"Ten others were also injured in the clashes and six of them with serious injuries were admitted to a hospital in Imphal," officials told PTI.

Violence first broke out in the state after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts on May 3 to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

So far, more than 100 people have died and several hundred injured, besides thousands taking shelter in relief camps.

Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur's population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribal Nagas and Kukis constitute another 40 per cent of the population and reside in the hill districts.

"Keeping in mind the welfare of the student", the schools under the Department of Education (Schools), Government of Manipur, resumed normal classes for class I to class VIII on Wednesday. "The schools had extended summer vacation since May 4, 2023, till July 4, 2023, due to prevailing law and order situation," the release said.