IMPHAL: Amid the sporadic incidents of violence, the Manipur government on Saturday extended the suspension of internet services for another five days to prevent the spread of rumours, videos, photos, and messages that might affect the law and order situation in the ethnically violent northeastern state.
Manipur's Commissioner, Home, H. Gyan Prakash, in a notification extending the suspension of internet services till May 31, said that the Director General of Police, Manipur, reported that there are still reports of incidents like arson of houses and premises.
"There is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for the transmission of images, hate speech, and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public, which might have serious repercussions for the law and order situation in the state," the order said.
After widespread violence broke out on May 3 in 11 of the 16 districts during and after the 'Tribal Solidarity March' called by the All Tribal Students' Union of Manipur to oppose the demand for inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe category, the Manipur government suspended internet service to control the situation.
Amid the shortage of essential items, transport fuel, and life-saving drugs and disturbances in banking and ATM facilities, the internet suspension across the mountainous state has added to the misery of the people.
The opposition Congress, the media, and various other organisations have been demanding the immediate restoration of internet service in Manipur.
Defence sources said on Saturday that in the aftermath of the recent spurt in violence, the Army and Assam Rifles have launched large-scale combing operations in vulnerable areas as well as in the higher reaches surrounding Imphal Valley.
Continuing with operations, the Army and Assam Rifles launched multiple search operations in the areas of Kangchuk, Motbung, Saikul, Pukhao, and Sagolmang in the wee hours of Saturday to track down any armed insurgents operating in these areas.
These operations are part of the overall ongoing efforts of the Army and Assam Rifles to restore peace and normalcy in Manipur.
Army columns are using the latest technology, weapons, equipment, and other force multipliers extensively, operating in forested, remote, and mountainous areas.
Army and Assam Rifles troopers on Friday night also successfully saved human lives in one village each in Churachandpur and Imphal East districts, as the inimical elements were active in these areas. (IANS)
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