Manipur: Amid Sporadic Violence, Internet Services To Remain Suspended For Five More Days

IMPHAL: According to an order passed by the Manipur government on Friday, internet services in Manipur are to remain suspended for another five days.

The Manipur government on Friday decided to suspend internet and broadband services in light of the present situation.

Amid tensions that are still prevailing in the state, this further suspension of internet services in Manipur was deemed necessary.

According to reports, the Manipur DGP is said to have informed the state government that there is a continuation of sporadic incidents of violence taking place in parts of the state.

Apprehensions were also expressed that social media might be used by anti-social elements for transmission and sharing of images, hate speech and video messages seeking to spread hatred.

The Manipur government apprehends that such distorted use of the social media might inflame passions of the public, leading to serious outcomes for the prevailing law and order situation in the state.

According to government sources, the further suspension of internet services in Manipur is meant “to thwart the design and activities of anti-national and anti-social elements and to maintain peace and communal harmony and prevent any loss of life or danger to public/private property”.

“…it has become necessary to take adequate measures to maintain law and order in the public interest, by stopping the spread of disinformation and false rumours, through various social media platforms such as Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter on mobile phone and SMS, for facilitating and/or mobilization of mobs of agitators and demonstrators, which can cause loss of life and/or damage to public/private property by indulging in arson/vandalism and other types of violent activities,” the sources explained.

On May 4, following the suspension of mobile internet service, the Manipur government suspended broadband services as well.

An order by the Home Department stated, “In continuation of State Home Department’s order of even number dated 03-05-2023 regarding temporary suspension of mobile data services in the territorial jurisdiction of Manipur State for a period of 5(five) days, it is hereby ordered that due to prevailing law and order situation in the State and in the exercise of the powers conferred under Rule 2 of Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, having satisfied that the above situation is likely to cause serious disturbances to the entire peaceful co-existence of the communities and maintenance of public order, do hereby order to bar internet/data services including broadband viz. Reliance Jio Fiber, Airtel Xtreme Black, BSNL FTTH etc. in the territorial jurisdiction of the State of Manipur. All Mobile Service providers are hereby directed to ensure compliance of this order immediately.”

Earlier the Central Government resorted to invoking of Article 355 of the constitution in Manipur as the situation in the violence-hit state worsened.

Also Read: Manipur: Assam Rifles Jawan Injured While Defusing IED

Also Watch: