The Manipur government has lifted the temporary internet ban in Ukhrul district, effective Tuesday, following a significant improvement in the law-and-order situation, according to officials. The ban, which was imposed on October 2 due to violent clashes over a longstanding land dispute between the villages of Hunphun and Hungpung, resulted in the deaths of four individuals.
The government reviewed the situation and decided to end the suspension of internet services, citing the overall stability in the district and the hardships faced by residents during the ban. The order, issued on Monday and signed by the joint secretary (Home), noted that the decision was based on an assessment of public safety.
The internet ban was initially imposed after confrontations between the two villages escalated into violence, prompting the government to take measures to prevent further unrest. On October 3, a mob looted arms and ammunition from a police station in Ukhrul, hours after two civilians and a Manipur Rifles personnel were killed in a gunfight. The weapons stolen included 9mm pistols, AK-47 rifles, and INSAS rifles, along with hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
In response to the escalating violence, the internet ban was extended for two more days from October 5. However, with a return to relative calm, the government has now lifted the ban. Authorities have since recovered 18 stolen weapons, according to a police officer in Ukhrul.
The lifting of the ban is expected to ease the inconveniences faced by the general public and restore normalcy in the district.