The Manipur government on Friday lifted the suspension of internet and mobile data services in five valley districts — Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur — with effect from 6 am, officials confirmed.

The temporary ban, imposed from 11:45 pm on June 7, was initially set for five days in response to security concerns following the arrest of five members of the Meitei group Arambai Tengol, including its leader Asem Kanan. Kanan was later formally arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at Imphal’s Bir Tikendrajit International Airport on Sunday.

A government order issued late Thursday night by the Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home), stated that “in view of the overall improvement of law and order in these districts and the inconveniences faced by the general public during the suspension of internet service, the state government has decided to lift the internet shutdown in the territorial jurisdiction of these districts.”

Authorities had justified the suspension as a preventive measure to avoid potential threats to life and property during a period of heightened tension.