Internet suspended in Manipur, curfew imposed
Imphal, June 8 (UNI) Curfew has been imposed and internet service suspended in five districts of Manipur including the state capital for five says after violence erupted on Saturday night.
As per a notification posted on Manipur Police website at 6 am on Sunday, N Ashok Kumar Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home). Government of Manipur announced the internet services were being suspended in view of the prevailing law and order situation in Imphal West. Imphal East, Thoubal. Kakching and Bishnupur districts,
"..there is apprehension of some anti-social elements using the 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," said the notification.
"There is an imminent danger of loss of life and /or damage to public/private property, and widespread disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony, as a result of inflammatory material and false rumours," it said.
According to the government, such inflammatory materials and false rumours "might be transmitted or circulated to the public through social media/ messaging services on mobile services, SMS services and dongle services."
"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," said Ashok.
Such platforms included Whats App, Facebook. Instagram and Twitter, on various electronic equipment Ike tablet, computer and mobile phone. A bar has been also placed on sending bulk messages.
The notification said the steps was being taken as circulation of such materials and rumours could facilitate and mobilize mobs of agitators and demonstrators. "which can cause loss of life and/or damage to public property by indulging in arson/vandalism and other types of violent activities".
The notification was used under Rule 2 of Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, to prevent "serious disturbances to the peaceful co-existence and maintenance of public order".
The government has ordered suspension/curbing of internet and mobile data services including VSAT and VPN services "in the territorial jurisdiction of Imphal West. Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching & Bishnupur districts of the State of Manipur for 5 days with effect from 11:45 P.M. of June 7 07-06-2025 except for those cases whereby State Government exempts and allows for whitelisting".
Curfew was also imposed to control the situation.
Crisis erupted after the arrest of a leader of Arambai Tengol and in the protest large numbers of people were injured as police and security personnel resorted to heavy firing.
A journalist was among those injured.
The situation is tense and security personnel are out in large numbers to control the situation. UNI NS SSP
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