Large Gatherings Banned, Internet Shut in Manipur

Large gatherings have been banned and mobile internet services suspended in Manipur's Churachandpur following violence ahead of Chief Minister N Biren Singh's visit to the district on Friday.

On Thursday, a mob vandalized and set on fire the venue of an event to be attended by the Chief Minister, over the BJP government's survey of reserved and protected forests and areas like wetlands.

The decision to ban large gatherings was taken following a police report citing ‘likelihood of breach of peace, disturbance to public tranquility and grave danger to human lives and properties’ in the district, Additional District Magistrate, Churachandpur district, S Thienlatjoy Gangte, said in the order issued on Thursday.

The order also cited the ‘total shutdown called by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum and the likelihood of mobilization of the public through social media and networking sites’ for the suspension of mobile internet services in the district.

Mr. Biren was scheduled to inaugurate a gym and sports facility in the district.

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum, which has been objecting to the BJP government's survey of reserved and protected forests and areas like wetlands, has called a bandh in the district today from 8 am to 4 pm._NDTV