Imphal, Nov 14: The Manipur government has extended the mobile internet ban in the state until November 18, citing the need for preventive measures to ensure the smooth functioning of the state administration. The decision follows reports of exchanges of fire between two communities in the fringe areas of Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Imphal East, Imphal West, and Kangpokpi districts.
Public protests, including total shutdowns and bandhs, have emerged, demanding information about two missing youths and the abduction of four people by unknown armed individuals, along with student-led protests.
The Manipur Director General of Police’s report expressed concerns that anti-social elements could extensively use social media to transmit images, hate speech, and incendiary video messages, potentially escalating tensions and impacting law and order in the state.
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The government’s notice highlights the imminent danger of loss of life, damage to public and private property, and disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony due to the spread of inflammatory material and false rumors through social media and messaging services.
In an effort to counter the activities of anti-national and anti-social elements and maintain peace, communal harmony, and public interest, the government aims to prevent the transmission of disinformation and false rumors through platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and bulk SMS on various electronic devices.
Despite the mobile internet ban, the government had earlier opened a few mobile towers in unaffected district headquarters on a trial basis, following the Manipur High Court’s direction. The government is considering further opening and operationalizing mobile towers in additional district headquarters based on a proper examination and assessment of the prevailing law and order, contingent on the situation permitting.
