On September 23, 2023, Manipur’s chief minister triumphantly announced the restoration of full internet access, attributing it to “improved” law and order. This ended India’s second-longest internet blackout, which had stretched for over 143 days since May 3. The news was greeted with relief by citizens — from students planning their return to Manipur to aid workers scrambling for essential supplies. Yet, this respite was fleeting. Within two days, the nation was jolted awake by horrific images of two slain Meitei students. The ensuing outrage and protests in Imphal were met with a familiar governmental response: Another shutdown of mobile internet access.