The Manipur government on February 10 ordered a temporary suspension of internet and data services across Ukhrul district for five days, citing apprehensions that social media could be misused to incite unrest amid a volatile law and order situation.
According to an official order issued by the Home Department, the decision was taken after reviewing the prevailing situation in Ukhrul district and its possible linkage with the unrestricted operation of internet services. The order stated that there was a serious apprehension that anti-social elements might use social media platforms to circulate images, posts and video messages capable of inciting public passions, leading to potential loss of life, damage to public or private property, and disturbance to public tranquillity and communal harmony.
The order, dated February 10, 2026, noted that inflammatory content and false rumours could be transmitted through social media, messaging services, SMS and dongle-based internet, thereby aggravating the situation on the ground. In view of these concerns, the government decided to impose a temporary suspension of all internet and data services, including broadband, VPN and VSAT services, across the entire revenue jurisdiction of Ukhrul district.
Invoking powers under Rule 3 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecommunication Services Rules, 2024, the Governor of Manipur ordered the suspension with immediate effect from 11.30 am on February 10. The restrictions will remain in force for five days as a preventive and precautionary measure, the order said.
All internet service providers operating in the state have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the order, warning that any violation would invite legal action. Owing to the emergent nature of the situation, the order was passed ex-parte and directed to be published through the press and electronic media for public information.
The suspension follows a request from the District Magistrate of Ukhrul, Ashish Das, IAS, who sought immediate suspension of internet services in the district in view of recent developments that led to significant disturbances posing a threat to public safety and peace. He emphasised that the temporary shutdown was necessary to prevent the spread of misinformation that could further escalate tensions.
The Home Department order was signed by N. Ashok Kumar, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home), Government of Manipur, and copies were forwarded to senior officials, including the Director General of Police, heads of telecom and IT departments, and nodal officers of mobile and internet service providers for immediate implementation.
Ukhrul, a sensitive hill district in Manipur, has witnessed periodic tensions in the past, with authorities often citing the role of social media in amplifying rumours during unrest.
The latest suspension once again highlights the state’s reliance on internet shutdowns as a law and order measure, even as such actions continue to spark debate over their impact on daily life, access to information and essential services.
