IMPHAL: In a move aimed at ensuring the smooth functioning of the state administration, the suspension of mobile internet services in Manipur has been extended until 7:45 p.m. on November 8, 2023. This decision comes as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order, as there are concerns that anti-social elements might misuse social media to transmit images, hate speech, and incendiary videos that could provoke public unrest.
The state home commissioner, T Ranjing, issued an order to prolong the restriction on mobile internet services in Manipur, which had started on May 3, 2023, with only two brief exceptions on September 23 and 24 due to communal violence and misuse of mobile internet. This extension is seen as essential to prevent any further escalation of tensions and to safeguard the interests of the public.
The decision to continue the internet ban has not been without controversy, as it coincides with an indefinite economic blockade imposed by the All Naga Students' Association Manipur (ANSAM). The ANSAM initiated the blockade on November 3, and it is now in its third day. Among the demands of the ANSAM is the restoration of mobile internet services in accordance with the Memorandum of Agreement reached with the state government on October 26, 2023.
Notably, the agitation called by ANSAM has garnered support from several student bodies, including the Senapati District Students' Association (SDSA), Rongmei Naga Students' Organisation Manipur (RNSOM), Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), and Naga Students' and Union Chandel (NSUC). This collective protest reflects the growing frustration among the public over the prolonged internet suspension and its impact on their daily lives.
While these measures may appear to restrict access to information and communication, they are being implemented with the intention of maintaining public safety and preventing the spread of potentially harmful content. The state administration aims to strike a balance between freedom of expression and the broader interest of maintaining peace and security within the region.
As the suspension of mobile internet services in Manipur continues, it remains a contentious issue with diverse opinions and growing concerns among the public and student associations. The government's decision to extend the ban underscores the challenges in managing information flow and maintaining social order in a digitally connected world.
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