Manipur: Internet suspended after violence rocks state again, Curfew Imposed

IMPHAL- The Manipur Government on Tuesday suspended Mobile internet, broadband, and VPNs services in the state for five days after violence escalated in the state.

In an order, the government of Manipur has curbed internet and mobile data services in the state from September 10 to September 15.

An order by the state government’s Home department states, “In view of the prevailing law and order situation in the State of Manipur, there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public, which might have serious repercussions for the law-and-order situation in the State of Manipur.”

Also Read- Students Stage Protests Over Drone, Rocket Attacks in Manipur

“There is an imminent danger of loss of life and/or damage to public/private property, and widespread disturbances to public tranquility and communal harmony, as a result of inflammatory material and false rumours, which might be transmitted/circulated to the public through social media/ messaging services on mobile services, SMS services and dongle services,” it states.

Watch Video

“To thwart the design and activities of anti-national and anti-social elements and to maintain peace and communal harmony and to 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 public interest, by stopping the spread of disinformation and false rumours, through various social media platform such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc on various electronic equipment like tablet, computer, mobile phone, etc, and sending bulk SMS, for facilitating and/or mobilisation 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,” it state.

Also Read- Six people killed in fresh violence in Manipur

In the order, the Joint Secretary (Home), Government of Manipur said, “I hereby order temporary suspension/curbing of internet and mobile data services including Lease Lines, VSATs, Broadbands and VPN services in the territorial jurisdiction of the State of Manipur for five days.”

The situation in Manipur is on a slump once again after the state witnessed one of its most widespread violence between the two ethnic groups, Meitei and Kuki tribes.

Earlier today, the government imposed an indefinite curfew in the districts of Imphal East and Imphal West.

Also Read- Fresh bomb attack in Manipur’s Bishnupur, two buildings damaged

 As 11 people have been killed in different incidents of ethnic violence in the state since September 1, students have led massive protests in the valley areas, particularly in Thoubal and Imphal.

At least 20 people, including police personnel, were injured after a confrontation broke out between the protesters and police in Thoubal.

The police used tear gas and stun grenades on the protesters, who in turn pelted stones. In Imphal, protesting students even tried to storm into the official residences of Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister N Biren Singh.