Manipur: Government Extends Internet Suspension Amid Violence Surge Till Nov 5

IMPHAL: The Manipur government has decided to extend the suspension of mobile data and internet services for an additional five days in the northeastern state. This move comes in response to a resurgence of violence following a brief period of relative calm. The order for this extension was issued by Manipur's Home Commissioner, T. Ranjit Singh, who cited various incidents as reasons for the continued restriction on internet access.

The order highlights several factors contributing to the decision, including reports of public protests against the deployment of Central security forces, public gatherings at local clubs, and attempts to approach the residences of elected officials and Civil Society Organization (CSO) leaders. The government is concerned that these events may escalate and that some individuals with malicious intent might exploit social media platforms to share images, hate speech, and hate video messages that could further inflame public sentiment. Such actions have the potential to seriously disrupt the law and order situation in Manipur.

The order emphasizes that, to maintain public order, mobile internet and data services in the territorial jurisdiction of Manipur will remain suspended for an additional five days, effective immediately. Violators of this order will be subject to legal action.

While the state appeared to be gradually returning to normalcy, a new outbreak of violence occurred on a Tuesday with the tragic killing of Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Chingtham Anand Kumar by armed individuals. The attack took place while he was on duty, supervising the preparation of a helipad construction project in collaboration with the police and the Border Security Force (BSF) at Eastern Shine School.

Manipur's Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh, expressed his deep sadness over the cold-blooded killing of SDPO Chingtham Anand, stating that his commitment to serving and protecting the people would be remembered. The government is determined to bring the perpetrators to justice.

In the midst of these developments, Manipur police detained a significant number of individuals, totaling 2,194, across various districts of the state for their alleged involvement in violations of the law. The situation in Manipur remains tense, and the government's decision to extend the internet suspension reflects the ongoing challenges it faces in maintaining peace and order in the region.

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