The Manipur Government suspended Internet services, including mobile data, in five valley districts after violent protests in Imphal East and Imphal West districts following the reported arrest of a Meitei radical outfit ‘Arambai Tenggol’ leader.
The five affected districts are Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur.
“In view of the prevailing law and order situation in the State of Manipur especially in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching & Bishnupur districts districts of Manipur, there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission serious of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public which might have repercussions for the law and order situation in the State of Manipur, “Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N Ashok Kumar said in an order.
“There is an imminent danger of loss of life and /or damage to public/private property, and wide spread disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony, 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,” it added.
Internet and mobile data service suspensions will not apply to individuals granted exemptions by the state government. The emergency order, issued without prior notice to affected parties, warns of legal consequences for anyone violating its terms.
Protests broke out in some areas of Imphal on Saturday evening following the reported arrest of an Arambai Tenggol leader.
