The Manipur government on Saturday ordered all the mobile service providers to suspend all mobile data services in the territorial jurisdiction of Jiribam district with immediate effect for five days.
The order was issued following the uses of social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public which is likely to cause serious disturbances to the entire peaceful co-existence of the communities and maintenance of public order, said the order issued by special secretary (Home) H Gyan Prakash.
It is reported that after the declaration of result of the election on March 10 there were a series of violent incidents, including destruction of properties in the areas falling under Jiribam district, said the order.
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It further stated that social media has become a handy tool for rumour mongers and is being used to incite the general public which might have serious repercussions for the law and order situation in the district.
There is an imminent danger of loss of life and damage to public or private property and wide spread disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony as a result of inflammatory material and false rumours, which are being circulated to the public through social media on mobile services, SMS services and dongle services, the order mentioned.
In order to thwart the design and activities of anti-national and anti-social elements and to maintain peace and communal harmony and to prevent any loss of life or danger to public and private property, it has become necessary to take adequate measures to maintain law and order in public interest, by stopping the spread of disinformation and false rumours through various social media platform, the order mentioned.
Any person found guilty for violation of aforesaid orders will be liable for legal action, it added.
