The Manipur government extended the ban in order to preserve peace and foster communal harmony in the conflict-ridden state.
On Wednesday, the Manipur government further extended the suspension of mobile data Internet services until October 16, with the aim of preventing the use of social media for the dissemination of images, hate speech, and hate video messages. This measure is taken to mitigate the potential threat to law and order within the state.
In an official order issued by Commissioner (Home) T Ranjit Singh, it is emphasized that these actions are necessary to safeguard the public interest, counteract the designs and movements of anti-national and anti-social elements, maintain peace and communal harmony, and prevent any loss of life or damage to public or private property.
This extension of the suspension of mobile internet/data services falls under the authority granted by Rule 2 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017. The governance cites the likelihood of serious disturbances to peaceful coexistence and public order as the reason for this decision. The suspension will be in effect for an additional five days, starting immediately upon the operationalization of this order and concluding at 7:45 PM on October 16, 2023.
The suspension of mobile data services in certain districts of Manipur initially began on May 3 due to ethnic violence. Subsequently, all internet services were shut down across the state. Although the ban was briefly lifted on September 23, it was reimposed on September 26.
In a related development, the curfew in the Imphal West and Imphal East districts, where the state capital, Imphal, is situated, was partially relaxed from 5 AM to 7 PM on Wednesday, per an order issued by the district magistrate.
The ongoing ethnic conflict that has gripped Manipur since May 3 has resulted in a toll of 178 lives, with at least 1,430 individuals injured and over 50,000 people displaced. This turmoil has led to a mass migration of Kukis from Imphal Valley to the nearby hills, where their community is the majority. Similarly, Meiteis residing in Kuki-dominated hills districts sought refuge in Imphal Valley during the early days of May.
News Source: Hindustan Times
