The Manipur government on Sunday imposed a curfew in Imphal East district as a precautionary measure, after a bandh against the National Socialist Council of Nagaland paralysed the region on Saturday and the United Naga Council ordered an economic blockade, ANI reported. A notice issued by the Imphal East district magistrate said applications to conduct emergency processions may be submitted to the superintendent of police.
Women vendors of the Khwairambandh Keithel (a market solely run by women) had called for a 24-hour bandh on Saturday to mark their protest against the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, which has been linked to the killing of three police personnel, according to India Today. Schools and colleges declared Monday a holiday in view of the tension. Supporters of the strike blocked roads, burned tyres and stopped inter-village and interstate buses from plying till the protest concluded on Saturday evening.
The administration had earlier decided to suspend mobile internet services in the Imphal West district of the state in view of “the recent tension prevailing” in the region. A notice dated December 17, 2016, said the decision was made to avoid spreading of rumours through social media such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Hike, Viber, etc. The circular was issued by the deputy commissioner/district magistrate of the district.
The notice had said telecom operators must immediately discontinue mobile data services to maintain law and order situation and diffuse the tense situation in the area. They have been asked to keep the services suspended till further notice. The decision was taken after the United Naga Council decided against lifting the economic blockade it the state, despite strict warnings by the government.
The group had called for a blockade in the region to protest against the government’s decision to upgrade Sadar Hills and Jiribam areas to full-fledged districts on November 1. On December 12, the Home Ministry had said in a statement that no one would be allowed to take law in their hands.
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