11 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

Polity & GovernanceSocial IssuesNEWS

Manipur's Ukhrul district faces internet shutdown amid tribal violence

Internet suspended for five days in Ukhrul amid Kuki-Naga tribal clashes.

Internet services were suspended in the Naga-majority Ukhrul district of Manipur for five days as violence between the Kuki-Zo and Naga tribal groups continued. Local people said miscreants torched nine or 10 houses on Tuesday morning, escalating the tension between Kuki-Zo and Naga villagers in the Litan area, located midway between Imphal and Ukhrul. N.

Ashok Kumar, Manipur’s Home Commissioner-cum-Secretary, issued an order suspending “Internet/data services, including services through broadband, VPN, and VSAT” in Ukhrul district for five days from 11.30 a.m. on Tuesday. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh appealed to the two communities to maintain peace and harmony.

Key Facts

Internet services suspended for five days in Ukhrul district, Manipur.

Violence between Kuki-Zo and Naga tribal groups.

Miscreants torched nine or 10 houses in the Litan area.

Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita enforced.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Polity and Governance - Fundamental Rights, Judiciary, Government Policies

GS Paper III: Security - Cyber Security, Law and Order

Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on the balance between security and freedom

Visual Insights

Ukhrul District, Manipur

Map showing Ukhrul district in Manipur, where internet services were suspended due to tribal violence.

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📍Ukhrul

More Information

Background

The internet shutdowns in Manipur's Ukhrul district highlight the complex interplay between security concerns, freedom of expression, and governance in regions with ethnic tensions. The imposition of internet bans is often justified by authorities as a measure to prevent the spread of misinformation and maintain public order. However, such actions raise concerns about the impact on fundamental rights and the potential for stifling legitimate dissent. The legal basis for internet shutdowns in India is often derived from Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017. The use of Section 144 CrPC allows the government to issue orders to prevent and address urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger. The Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services Rules provides a framework for suspending telecom services, including the internet, under specific circumstances. These rules were framed following a Supreme Court directive in the case of Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2020), which emphasized the need for procedural safeguards and periodic review of internet shutdown orders. The Supreme Court stressed that restrictions on fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and expression, must be proportionate and should not be excessive. Historically, the use of internet shutdowns has been a contentious issue in India, particularly in regions experiencing political unrest or social tensions. While the government argues that such measures are necessary to maintain law and order, critics contend that they disproportionately affect marginalized communities and hinder access to essential services, information, and education. The economic impact of internet shutdowns is also significant, affecting businesses, e-commerce, and online transactions. Balancing security concerns with the need to protect fundamental rights and promote economic activity remains a key challenge for policymakers.

Latest Developments

Recent developments in internet governance in India have focused on balancing national security concerns with the need to ensure digital inclusion and freedom of expression. The government has been actively promoting digital literacy and expanding internet access through initiatives like Digital India and BharatNet. However, the frequent imposition of internet shutdowns, particularly in regions with socio-political unrest, has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and digital rights activists. The ongoing debate revolves around the proportionality and necessity of internet shutdowns, with stakeholders advocating for greater transparency and accountability in the decision-making process. The judiciary has played a crucial role in scrutinizing internet shutdown orders, emphasizing the need for adherence to procedural safeguards and the principle of proportionality. The case of Foundation for Media Professionals v. Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (2020) further reinforced the importance of judicial review and the need for reasoned orders when imposing restrictions on internet access. Looking ahead, the government is expected to formulate a comprehensive framework for internet governance that addresses the challenges of cybersecurity, data protection, and freedom of expression. The proposed Digital India Act aims to replace the existing Information Technology Act, 2000, and is expected to provide a more robust legal framework for regulating the digital space. Balancing the competing interests of national security, economic development, and fundamental rights will be crucial in shaping the future of internet governance in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What key facts about the Ukhrul internet shutdown are important for the UPSC Prelims exam?

For the UPSC Prelims, remember these key facts: Internet services were suspended for five days in the Ukhrul district of Manipur due to violence between Kuki-Zo and Naga tribal groups. The suspension order was issued on February 11, 2026, by Manipur’s Home Commissioner-cum-Secretary, N. Ashok Kumar. Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita was enforced.

Exam Tip

Focus on the location (Ukhrul), duration of the shutdown (5 days), and the reason (tribal violence) for Prelims.

2. What is the constitutional or legal basis that allows the Manipur government to suspend internet services?

While the specific constitutional article isn't mentioned in the provided text, internet shutdowns are generally ordered under provisions like Section 144 of the CrPC or relevant sections of the Information Technology Act, often in conjunction with concerns about public order and national security. Article 19(2) allows for reasonable restrictions on freedom of expression in the interest of security of the State.

Exam Tip

Remember to link internet shutdowns to Article 19(2) and Section 144 CrPC in your Mains answers.

3. Why is the internet shutdown in Ukhrul district in the news recently?

The internet shutdown in Ukhrul is in the news due to ongoing violence between the Kuki-Zo and Naga tribal groups. The incident highlights the government's response to maintaining law and order in regions with ethnic tensions by suspending internet services to prevent the spread of misinformation and escalation of conflict.

4. What are the potential pros and cons of using internet shutdowns as a response to tribal violence, as seen in the Ukhrul case?

Pros: Prevents spread of misinformation, potentially de-escalates tensions. Cons: Curbs freedom of expression, disrupts essential services (healthcare, education, commerce), and can fuel resentment. A balanced approach is needed, considering the impact on common citizens.

5. What are the key issues related to internal security challenges highlighted by the Ukhrul internet shutdown?

The Ukhrul internet shutdown highlights the challenges of maintaining law and order in areas with existing ethnic tensions. It also brings to light the dilemma between controlling misinformation and ensuring freedom of expression, as well as the impact of such measures on the daily lives and livelihoods of citizens.

6. How does the recent internet shutdown in Ukhrul impact common citizens?

The internet shutdown disrupts access to essential services like online banking, healthcare information, and educational resources. It also affects businesses that rely on internet connectivity, and limits the ability of citizens to communicate and access information, potentially increasing anxiety and hindering daily life.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017: 1. These rules were framed in response to a directive from the Supreme Court. 2. The rules allow for suspension of telecom services, including the internet, only in cases of public emergency. 3. Orders issued under these rules are subject to periodic review. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

All three statements are correct. The Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017 were indeed framed following a Supreme Court directive. These rules permit the suspension of telecom services, including the internet, during public emergencies or for public safety. Furthermore, orders issued under these rules are subject to periodic review to ensure proportionality and necessity. The Supreme Court case of Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2020) highlighted the need for these safeguards.

2. In the context of internet shutdowns in India, which of the following statements is NOT correct?

A.Internet shutdowns are sometimes justified by authorities to prevent the spread of misinformation.
B.Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) is often used as a legal basis for internet shutdowns.
C.The Supreme Court has consistently upheld the government's right to impose indefinite internet shutdowns without judicial review.
D.Internet shutdowns can have significant economic impacts, affecting businesses and online transactions.

Show Answer

Answer: C

Option C is NOT correct. The Supreme Court, in cases like Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2020), has emphasized the need for judicial review and procedural safeguards when imposing restrictions on internet access. The court has not upheld the government's right to impose indefinite internet shutdowns without judicial oversight. The other statements are accurate reflections of the situation in India.

3. Match List I (Acts/Rules) with List II (Purpose) and select the correct answer using the code given below: List I (a) Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), Section 144 (b) Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services Rules, 2017 (c) Digital India Act (Proposed) List II (i) Provides a framework for suspending telecom services during public emergencies (ii) Empowers the government to issue orders to prevent nuisance or apprehended danger (iii) Aims to replace the Information Technology Act, 2000 and regulate the digital space Code:

A.a-ii, b-i, c-iii
B.a-i, b-ii, c-iii
C.a-iii, b-i, c-ii
D.a-ii, b-iii, c-i

Show Answer

Answer: A

The correct matching is: (a) Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), Section 144 - Empowers the government to issue orders to prevent nuisance or apprehended danger; (b) Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services Rules, 2017 - Provides a framework for suspending telecom services during public emergencies; (c) Digital India Act (Proposed) - Aims to replace the Information Technology Act, 2000 and regulate the digital space.