Manipur: Suspension of Mobile Internet Extended for Two Additional Days
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Imphal, Dec 1 (NationPress) In a bid to maintain order, the Manipur government has decided to extend the suspension of mobile internet and data services for an additional two days across nine districts, including the troubled Jiribam district, as reported by officials.
A high-ranking official from the Home Department stated that, aside from an individual reported missing on November 25 from Kangpokpi district, no significant incidents have been documented in any of the nine districts since November 18. Therefore, the extension of the mobile internet and data services suspension is being implemented as a precaution.
Commissioner of Home, N. Ashok Kumar, outlined in his directive: "Considering the ongoing law and order issues in the state, and the concern that certain anti-social elements could exploit social media to disseminate images, hate speech, and provocative videos that may incite public unrest, which could severely impact the law and order situation. As a precautionary strategy, the state government has enacted a temporary suspension of mobile internet and data services," the directive stated.
This suspension will remain in effect in the nine districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Jiribam, and Pherzawl until 5:15 PM on December 3.
Following extensive unrest and attacks on the residences and lodgings of ministers, MLAs, and political figures by mobs starting November 16 in valley districts such as Imphal East and Imphal West, which occurred after the discovery of the remains of three missing children and three women in Jiribam district on November 15 and 16, Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi mandated the initial suspension of mobile internet and data services in these areas for two days.
Since then, the suspension has been periodically renewed for the past 17 days.
However, after a fortnight of closure, regular classes across all educational institutions, including schools and universities in six districts, recommenced on November 29.
Curfew measures have also been relaxed in the six districts affected by violence—Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kakching, and Jiribam.
Nevertheless, according to directives from the District Magistrate, any gatherings or rallies still require prior authorization from the appropriate authorities.
