In a bid to “thwart activities of anti-social elements
and to maintain peace and harmony and law and order” the Manipur Government has
extended the ban on internet services in the violence-hit Northeastern State
till October 21.
Giving reasons for the move, the Manipur Government conveyed
concerns of Manipur Police DGP in the wake of incidents of violence, including
confrontations between public and security forces, mob attempts at elected
officials’ residences and civil unrest at police stations.
“There is an imminent danger of loss of life or damage
to public or private property, and widespread disturbances to public
tranquillity…as a result of inflammatory material and false rumours, which
might be transmitted/ circulated to the public through social media or messaging
services on mobile services, SMS services and dongle services,” said the
government order.
The notification further stated that the prohibition has
been imposed until 7:45 pm on October 21 while adding that the internet
services “is likely to cause serious disturbances to the peaceful co-existence
and maintenance of public order”.
Over 180 people have been killed and several hundred
injured since violence broke out on May 3.
The violent incidents unfolded after Kuki tribes
protested through a “Tribal Solidarity March” against the Meitei community’s
demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
Since then mobile internet was banned in the State. It
was restored on September 23 following an announcement by Chief Minister N
Biren Singh.
However, services were again prohibited on September
26, after photographs of the bodies of two missing students went viral, leading
to public agitation in Imphal Valley. The ban on broadband since May 5 was,
however, partially lifted in mid-July.
NE Watch Desk
