Imphal, April 14 (NationPress) The government of Manipur announced a further extension of the ban on mobile internet and data services, including broadband, for an additional two days across five districts in the Imphal valley, citing ongoing concerns regarding the law and order situation, as reported by officials.

This extension follows an initial shutdown that began on April 7, aimed at preventing an escalation of violence by suspending internet and mobile data services across the same regions.

The decision comes in the wake of a tragic bomb attack in Bishnupur district on April 7, allegedly executed by suspected Kuki militants, resulting in the deaths of two children and injuries to their mother, officials noted.

A notification issued by Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N. Ashok Kumar on Tuesday indicated that the decision to prolong the suspension was made after assessing the current law and order situation in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur districts.

The notification emphasized the necessity of maintaining the ban on mobile internet, data services, and VPN services due to insufficient technical capabilities for effective control and regulation of mobile data.

Authorities expressed apprehension about the potential for misinformation and false rumors to spread through social media channels.

"The dissemination of disinformation and false rumors, along with the transmission of bulk SMS messages, could incite the mobilization of agitated crowds, leading to loss of life and damage to public and private properties due to arson, vandalism, and other violent acts, for which control measures are still lacking," Kumar stated in the notification.

In separate notifications, District Magistrates of the five Imphal valley districts—Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur—have eased the curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. to enable residents to engage in essential and urgent activities outside their homes.

The orders specify that no individual may carry any weapons during the relaxed period, including sticks, stones, firearms without valid licenses, or any object that could serve as an offensive weapon.

Shops and retail outlets are also permitted to operate during this relaxation period, as per the directives from the District Magistrates.

In the aftermath of the April 7 bomb attack in Bishnupur district, which claimed the lives of two young children, thousands, including a significant number of women, have been participating in daily protests across the Imphal valley districts.

Protesters have condemned the attack and called for stringent punishment for those responsible.

The Manipur government has already transferred the investigation into the deadly bombing to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has conducted several review meetings to evaluate the evolving law and order scenario in the state, attended by senior officials from the Army, paramilitary forces, central security agencies, and the state police.

On Monday, Lieutenant General Vikas Lakhera, Director General of Assam Rifles, met with the Chief Minister to engage in detailed discussions regarding the prevailing law and order and overall security situation in the state.