Imphal - India:
An Indian state plagued by ethnic tensions has cut off internet services and imposed a curfew after protesters clashed with security forces over the arrest of members of an extremist group, Indian police said Sunday.
Sporadic clashes between the Meitei (mostly Hindu) community and the Kuki (mostly Christian) community have rocked the northeastern Indian state of Manipur for more than two years, claiming the lives of more than 250 people.
The latest wave of violence erupted on Saturday after reports of the arrest of five members of the Arambai Tangol (a Meitei extremist group), including its leader.
Angry crowds demanded their release and stormed a police station, setting fire to a bus and blocking roads in parts of Inval, the state capital.
Manipur police declared a curfew in five districts, including West Imphal and Bishnupur, due to "developments in the law and order situation."
"Prohibitory orders have been issued to the district magistrates," the police said in a statement. "Citizens are requested to cooperate with the orders."
Arambai Tangole, who is suspected of orchestrating the violence targeting the Kuki people, declared a 10-day lockdown in the valley.
The state Home Ministry ordered the suspension of all internet services in the troubled areas for five days to control the situation.
Internet services were cut for months in Manipur when violence erupted in early 2023, displacing some 60,000 people, according to government data. Thousands of residents of the state remain unable to return due to ongoing tensions.
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