A Manipur internet shutdown after unrest was imposed on Tuesday after fresh violence in the northeastern Indian state killed four people, including two children. Officials said the shutdown was ordered to control the situation in sensitive districts. Curfews were also imposed in some areas after the latest clashes.
The fresh violence came after months of relative calm. However, Manipur has seen repeated unrest for nearly three years. The conflict primarily involves the predominantly Hindu Meitei community and the predominantly Christian Kuki community. More than 250 people have been killed in this period.
Officials said the latest flare-up began after a reported attack by Kuki groups in Bishnupur district. That attack allegedly killed two Meitei children. Soon after, an angry Meitei mob stormed a paramilitary police camp. Soldiers then opened fire, and two more people were killed. Five others were wounded.
🚨🇮🇳 Tensions in Occupied Manipur
The brave people of Manipur have reportedly set fire to CRPF camps after the Indian Army opened fire on innocent civilians.
Manipuri people are said to be moving closer to independence from India… Retweet and raise your voice for Manipur. pic.twitter.com/oEETadau9a
— Manipur Post (@ManipurPost5) April 7, 2026Curfew Imposed in Bishnupur and Imphal
The local government said internet and mobile data services in volatile districts would remain suspended for five days. Officials said the step was meant to prevent the unrest from spreading further. Authorities also imposed a curfew in some areas, including Bishnupur and the state capital, Imphal.
The office of Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said the reported attack appeared to be the work of people trying to disturb the peace in the state. Officials said a large combing operation was underway to arrest those responsible. Helicopters were also being used in the operation.
🇮🇳⚡️MANIPUR: 3 killed, several injured after CRPF allegedly opened fire with live rounds at protesters who stormed the CRPF camp in Tronglaobi, Bishnupur. https://t.co/QAnTbJmNhc pic.twitter.com/8MOjlxCurU
— War Flash (@WarFlash_2630) April 7, 2026At the same time, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum, a Kuki civil society body, said the attack should not be blamed on the community.
Internet services were also suspended for months during the first major outbreak of violence in 2023. Government figures say around 60,000 people were displaced. Many residents are still unable to return home because tensions continue. The long-running conflict has been linked to competition over land and public sector jobs. Rights activists have also accused local leaders of worsening ethnic divisions for political gain.
