The Manipur Government led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh will
lift the internet ban in the State from today. The prolonged prohibition in
some districts continued since the ethnic clashes first erupted on May 3.
The government later lifted the ban partially, allowing broadband
services to function with certain conditions.
“As a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of rumours and
videos, photos, and messages, which might affect the law and order situation of
the State, the State Government imposed a ban on the internet. But from today
onwards the internet ban will be lifted,” CM Singh told a press conference in
Imphal.
The move comes a day after the government urged to surrender all
illegal weapons held by any person or groups across the State within a period
of 15 days from September 22.
In a press release, the government said it is willing to take a
considerate view of the persons submitting such illegal weapons within these 15
days.
“At the end of the 15 days, security forces, both the Central and State
will undertake a strong and comprehensive search operation all over the state
to recover such weapons, and all persons associated with any illegal weapons
will be dealt with severely, as per law,” stated the release.
“There have been reports of extortion, threats and abduction by
miscreants/groups using illegal weapons. This is a serious matter and the State
Government will take strong action against such miscreants/groups in any part
of the State.”
The ethnic conflict has claimed 175 people to date, left 1,100 plus
others injured, and thousands of people displaced.
There were 5,172 arson cases, including the burning and
vandalisation of 4,786 houses and 386 religious places during the
four-month-old crisis. A total of 5,668 arms have been lost from across the State.
So far security forces have successfully recovered 1,329 arms.
Agencies
