Mon Nov 18 14:30:17 UTC 2024: ## Manipur Extends Internet Shutdown Amidst Renewed Protests and Violence

**Imphal, Manipur –** The Manipur government has extended the suspension of mobile internet and data services in seven districts for another two days, citing ongoing law and order concerns. The shutdown, initially implemented on Saturday, affects Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur, but excludes Jiribam district. The extension comes into effect from 5:15 PM on Monday and will last until 5:15 PM on Wednesday.

This decision follows a weekend of escalating violence and protests. The unrest began after the discovery of six bodies in Jiribam district earlier this month. On Sunday night, a 21-year-old man, K. Athouba, was killed during a police operation in Jiribam. Police confirmed the death, stating an investigation is underway to determine who fired the fatal shot, while protestors allege it was Manipur Police special commandos. Two others were injured in the incident. The mob was reportedly attacking and vandalizing properties belonging to various leaders and political parties.

Meanwhile, students at Manipur University staged large-scale protests, burning effigies of the Governor, Lakshman Prasad Acharya, and Chief Minister N. Biren Singh to denounce the killing. Further demonstrations saw members of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a prominent Meitei community organization, posting lockdown notices on government offices, including those of the Chief Electoral Officer and the Directorate of Economics and Statistics.

COCOMI issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the central and state governments, demanding decisive action against armed groups. Spokesperson Khuraijam Athouba called for all 50 non-tribal MLAs to collaborate on resolving the ethnic crisis, warning of widespread public anger if their demands are not met. An indefinite curfew remains in place in five of the affected districts: Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching.

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