12PUNTO FOREIGN NEWS
Authorities in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur have declared an indefinite curfew and blocked internet access following student protests that erupted against a resurgence of ethnic violence that has rocked the region for over a year. It is reported that at least 9 protesters participating in the street demonstrations have died so far.
The Manipur State Home Department issued a notification on Tuesday ordering the suspension of all internet and mobile data services for five days to bring the recent unrest under control.
The notification stated, 'Internet access has been restricted on the grounds that some anti-social elements may heavily use social media to spread images, hate speech, and hate-filled video messages that could incite public outrage.'
Manipur, a state of 3.2 million people living in the mountains on India's border with Myanmar, has been the scene of violence for over a year due to disputes between the majority-Hindu 'Meitei' and the majority-Christian 'Kuki' communities over economic aid, government jobs, and education quotas.
The Qatar-based news organization Al Jazeera wrote regarding the events, 'despite heavy military intervention, deadly clashes continue.'
News Source: 12punto
