Manipur cuts internet services in 5 districts as violent protests erupt after arrest of Meitei radical outfit leader
Manipur cuts internet services in 5 districts as violent protests erupt after arrest of Meitei radical outfit leader
Imphal: The Manipur Government on Saturday suspended Internet services, including mobile data, in five valley districts after violent protests in Imphal East and Imphal West districts following the reported arrest of a Meitei radical outfit 'Arambai Tenggol' leader, news agency IANS quoted officials as saying. The five affected districts are Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur.
'In view of the prevailing law and order situation in the State of Manipur especially in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching & Bishnupur districts districts of Manipur, there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission serious of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public which might have repercussions for the law and order situation in the State of Manipur, 'Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N Ashok Kumar said in an order.
'There is an imminent danger of loss of life and /or damage to public/private property, and wide spread disturbances to public tranquillity 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 added.
The order states that Internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN, were temporarily suspended for five days in five districts of Manipur (Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur), starting at midnight on Saturday.
Internet and mobile data service suspensions will not apply to individuals granted exemptions by the state government. The emergency order, issued without prior notice to affected parties, warns of legal consequences for anyone violating its terms.
Protests broke out in some areas of Imphal on Saturday evening following the reported arrest of an Arambai Tenggol leader.
'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, by it has become necessary to take adequate measures to maintain law and order in public interest, as Whats stopping the spread of disinformation and false rumours, through various social media platform such WHATS App, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc, on various electronic equipment like tablet, computer, demonstrators, mobile phone etc. and sending bulk SMS, for facilitating and/or mobilization of mobs of agitators and arson/vandalism which can cause loss of life and/or damage to public/private property by indulging inand other types of violent activities,' the order added.
'Therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred under Rule 2 of Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, having satisfied that the above situation is likely to cause serious disturbances to the peaceful co-existence and maintenance of public order, do hereby order suspension/curbing of internet and mobile data services including VSAT and VPN Bishnupur services in the territorial jurisdiction of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching & districts of the State of Manipur for 5(five) days with effect from 11:45 P.M. of 07-06- 2025 except for those cases whereby State Government exempts and allows for whitelisting,' it added.
(With inputs from agencies)
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