Manipur: Resumption of Mobile Internet Services After Over Three Weeks
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Imphal, Dec 9 (NationPress) Following a suspension exceeding three weeks, the ban on mobile internet and data services in nine districts of Manipur was officially lifted on Monday, according to government officials. They advised all internet users to avoid engaging in any activities that might pose a threat to the overall law and order situation within the state.
Officials reported that aside from the case of the Meitei man who went missing on November 25 from Kangpokpi district, no significant incidents have occurred in any of the nine districts since November 18.
The suspension of mobile internet and data services, which began on November 16, was extended until Monday morning before being restored later that afternoon, as confirmed by the authorities.
Commissioner of Home, N. Ashok Kumar, stated in his order: "The state government, after evaluating the current law and order conditions and their potential relationship with internet service operations, has decided to lift all temporary suspensions of internet and data services in the nine districts."
"... the Governor of Manipur is pleased to annul all forms of temporary suspension of internet and data services in the nine districts..."
"All internet users are encouraged to refrain from activities that may threaten the general law and order situation in the state, which could lead to future temporary suspensions of internet services," the order emphasized.
The nine districts where mobile internet and data services were reinstated include Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Jiribam, and Pherzawl.
These districts encompass both the Meitei community-dominated valley regions and the tribal-inhabited mountainous areas.
In response to widespread violence and assaults on residences of ministers, MLAs, and political leaders that began on November 16 in valley districts like Imphal East and Imphal West, following the discovery of bodies of three missing children and three women in Jiribam district on November 15 and 16, Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi ordered the initial two-day suspension of mobile internet and data services in these areas.
From that point, the suspension was extended regularly over the past 23 days.
However, after two weeks of closure, regular classes resumed in all educational institutions, including schools and universities in six districts on November 29.
Curfew restrictions have also been relaxed in the six violence-affected districts: Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kakching, and Jiribam.
Nonetheless, according to the orders from the District Magistrate, any gatherings or rallies still require prior approval from the appropriate authorities.
