‘Act of censorship’: Twitter account of Manipur's tribal forum blocked in India
2 min read 18 Jun 2023, 07:02 AM ISTThe Twitter account of Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) has been blocked in India amid violent incidents in Manipur, leading to accusations of censorship and a violation of freedom of speech.
PremiumAmid recent violent incidents in Manipur, the Twitter handle of the tribal forum Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) has been withheld in India. It describes itself as a conglomerate of recognized tribes in the Lamka district of Manipur. A user provided the information on the microblogging site.
“The ITLF Media Cell Twitter account, vital for raising awareness about Kuki-Zo tribal communities in Manipur, has been blocked in India. Despite tirelessly working towards addressing their challenges, this censorship is yet another attempt to stifle marginalized voices," a statement on the tribal body's Twitter page reads.
In an official statement, the group said that it has been subjected to "a shocking act of censorship" and that taking down the Twitter account "is yet another attempt to stifle the already marginalized Kuki-Zo tribal voice".
It further stated that this amounts to a violation of Article 19 (freedom of speech and expression) of the Indian Constitution.
“Blocking of the ITLF Media Cell Twitter account is yet another attempt to stifle the already marginalized Kuki-Zo tribal voice. This act comes as an addition to the already crippling 40+ days of internet shutdown in the Manipur Hills districts (minimal restriction in the valley districts), severely limiting and hampering the ability of the Kuki-Zo tribals to report on-ground daily incidents of attacks perpetrated by state-sponsored Meitei separatists, rampaging Meitei mobs including Meira Paibis, and radicalized groups such as Arambai Tenggol and Meetei Leepun," the statement added.
The group has earlier reiterated its demand for the imposition of President’s rule in Manipur after the violent clashes with the Meitei community.
Violence had erupted in the northeastern state on May 3 after a Tribal Solidarity March to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. So far, nearly 100 people have lost their lives and over 300 have been injured.
The Central Bureau of Investigation took over six Manipur violence cases on Friday, forming a special investigation team under a DIG-rank officer. Six FIRs have been filed since violent clashes broke out in the northeastern state last month.
The developments came even as three people were killed and two others injured in Manipur on Friday. The incident took place in a village in ethnic violence-hit Imphal West district.