Latest news with #TemporarySuspensionofTelecomServices
India.com
14 hours ago
- Politics
- India.com
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)
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Manipur govt suspends internet services in 5 districts for five days
The Manipur government has suspended all internet and mobile data services in five districts—Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur—for five days starting 11:45 pm on 7 June. The order also covers VSAT and VPN services. Citing a deteriorating law and order situation, the official notification stated, 'In view of the prevailing law and order situation in the State of Manipur especially in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching & Bishnupur districts… 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.' The government order, issued by Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N Ashok Kumar, was taken under Rule 2 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo — ANI (@ANI) Officials warn of social media's role in escalating violence Officials believe the temporary shutdown is essential to stop the circulation of harmful content. Live Events The order warned of 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 further stated, 'To thwart the design and activities of anti-national and anti-social elements and to maintain peace and communal harmony… it has become necessary to take adequate measures… to stop the spread of disinformation and false rumours, through various social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.' According to the directive, social media posts and bulk messaging were being used to mobilise mobs and incite vandalism and arson, putting public safety at serious risk. 'The order is being passed ex-parte in view of the emergent situation,' it noted. Arrest sparks protests, roads blocked and tensions rise The blackout came shortly after street protests erupted in Imphal East and West districts on the night of 7 June. Protesters were reacting to the arrest of a key leader from Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei organisation. In areas such as Kwakeithel and Uripok, residents blocked roads with burning tyres and furniture. The demonstrations drew attention across the state. In a video widely shared online, BJP MP Leishemba Sanajaoba confronted security personnel and said, 'If this continues, arrest me and another MLA as well.' The statement was made in response to the police crackdown on local leaders. Militants arrested, weapons seized in crackdown At the same time, security operations intensified across the state. Three individuals linked to banned militant outfits—the Kangleipak Communist Party (People's War Group) and the United People's Party of Kangleipak (UPPK)—were arrested. During the raids, police recovered arms, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and mortars. These arrests were part of a broader crackdown aimed at tackling rising militant activity in the region. State under President's rule as ethnic violence continues Manipur has remained under tension since May 2023. A prolonged ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities has claimed over 260 lives. Thousands have been displaced, and the violence shows no signs of slowing. In February this year, President's Rule was imposed after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned from office. The administration has since functioned under the oversight of the Union Government. This latest shutdown marks another flashpoint in the state's deepening crisis. With internet services down, movement restricted, and tensions high, residents remain caught between violence, fear, and uncertainty.
