The "total shutdown called by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum" was another reason why mobile internet connections were cut off in the district...
Digital Desk: Following violence before Chief Minister N Biren Singh's visit to Churachandpur, Manipur, large gatherings have been banned and mobile internet connections have been suspended. The Chief Minister was scheduled to attend an event on Thursday when it was allegedly attacked and set on fire by a mob over the BJP government's assessment of wetlands and other protected and restricted areas.
The government order issued on Thursday was signed by S. Thienlaljoy Gangte, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur district, and stated that the decision to prohibit large gatherings was made in response to a police report that indicated "likelihood of breach of peace, disturbance to public tranquility, and grave danger to human lives and properties" in the district.
The suspension of mobile internet connections in the district was also justified by the "total shutdown called by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum and the likelihood of public mobilisation through social media and networking sites," according to the order.
Mr Biren was scheduled to inaugurate a gym and sports facility in the district.
In a venue where Mr. Singh is supposed to visit today, footage from the incident showed large groups destroying furniture and smashing chairs. Sports equipment and the venue where the event will be placed were also set on fire.
The authorities have not formally announced the cancellation of the programme.
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum has declared a bandh in the district today from 8 am to 4 pm in protest against the BJP government's survey of reserved and protected forests and regions like wetlands.
The forum stated that despite numerous memos being sent to the government objecting to a campaign to evict farmers and other tribal inhabitants from reserved wooded areas, "the government has shown no sign of willingness or sincerity in addressing the plight of the people."
The Kuki Students' Organisation has also spoken out in favour of the forum, accusing it of giving "stepmotherly treatment to tribals." The Kuki Students' Organisation issued a statement in which it denounced "undermining tribal rights, including demolishing religious facilities and forcibly displacing tribal villages."
Three churches in Manipur were destroyed by the authorities earlier this month because they were deemed to be "illegal constructions."
The Manipur High Court was then contacted by a local organisation. People were removed from the churches, according to a bench led by acting Chief Justice MV Muralidaran, based on the paperwork, administrative choices, and following the Supreme Court's guidelines for handling illegitimate constructions.
Continue Reading
