Manipur internet ban extended till May 21

The Manipur government has recently extended the ban on the internet throughout the entire jurisdiction of the State of Manipur, effective immediately from May 16. This decision comes as an extension of the State government’s ongoing efforts to maintain peace and public order, which initially led to the internet ban on May 4.

The suspension/curbing includes mobile data services and internet/data services, including broadband, viz. Reliance Jo Fiber, Airtel Xtreme Black, BSL FTTH etc. and internet/data services through VSATs of Bharatnet Phase-II in the territorial jurisdiction of the State of Manipur. All Service providers are hereby directed to ensure compliance with this order. “Whereas, Director General of Police, Manipur vide letter No.IC/11(163)/2008-PHO(Pt) dated 15-05-2023 reported that there are still reports of incidents like fighting amongst volunteers/youths of major communities residing in the State with the report of arson of houses and premises,” the order added.

The order:

• And whereas, there is continued 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 severe repercussions for the law and order situation in the State of Manipur.
• And whereas, the imminent danger of loss of life and /or damage to public/private property, and widespread disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony still exists 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
• And whereas, to thwart the design and activities of anti-national and anti-social elements to maintain peace and communal harmony and prevent any loss of life or danger to public/private property, it is still necessary to take adequate measures to maintain law and order in the public interest, by stopping the spread of disinformation and false rumours, through various social media platform such as Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc. on mobile phone and SMS, for facilitating and/or mobilization 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.

Now, therefore, in continuation to this office order of even No. H-3607 / 4/2022-HD-HD dated 11-05-2023, and in the 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 severe disturbances to the peaceful co-existence and maintenance of public order, do hereby order further suspension/curbing of mobile data services, internet/data services including broadband viz. Reliance Jo Fiber, Airtel Xtreme Black, BSL FTTH etc. and internet/data services through VSATs of Bharatnet Phase-II in the territorial jurisdiction of the State of Manipur. All Service providers are hereby directed to ensure compliance with this order.

Source: UkhrulTimes