Curfew partially relaxed in 5 valley districts in Manipur amid ongoing tensions

Authorities in Manipur have partially relaxed the total public curfew in five valley districts - Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur - with effect from Tuesday. The curfew, imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, had been enforced late on June 7 following violent unrest triggered by the arrest of the army chief of the Meitei outfit, Arambai Tenggol.

As per official orders issued by the district magistrates, the public will now be allowed to move about from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily to access essential goods and services. However, authorities have maintained strict restrictions to ensure law and order during the relaxation period.

The directive prohibits any activity that could disturb the peace. From 5:00 PM to 5:00 AM, movement outside residences remains completely barred. The order also disallows the assembly of five or more people and bans the carrying of sticks, stones, firearms, sharp weapons, or explosive materials in public places across the five districts.

Exemptions have been granted to government agencies, law enforcement personnel, emergency responders, and employees in banking and other essential services.

Officials said the situation is under close observation, and any breach of the guidelines may lead to stricter enforcement of the curfew.

Earlier, a suspension of internet services had been imposed in parts of the valley districts on Saturday night after tensions flared following the arrest of the Arambai Tenggol leader. Protests had erupted in several areas, prompting authorities to take preventive measures.

According to an official notification issued earlier by Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N Ashok Kumar, the decision to cut off internet access was based on concerns that anti-social elements might exploit social media to circulate hate messages, provocative images, and videos, potentially disturbing public order.