The Manipur government has extended the ban on Internet/data services for five more days till July 5 with immediate effect in an effort to prevent further disturbances of peace and public order in view of the persisting unrest in the state.
Fresh orders issued by the Manipur government on Friday announced that the suspension of internet services in the state will be extended for five more days i.e. till 3 pm of July 5.
The order issued by state commissioner (Home) T Ranjit Singh stated that "further suspension of mobile data services/internet/data services including broadband services and internet/data services through VASTs of Bharatnet Phase-II is further suspended in the territorial jurisdiction of the state of Manipur, except for those who have already been specifically exempted by the government and may be exempted subsequently and Internet Lease Line (ILL) on a case to basis as permitted by competent authority."
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The order is issued to prevent any disturbances of peace and public order in the jurisdiction of the state of Manipur, it stated.
The order stated that the Director General of Police, Manipur letter vide dated June 29 reported that there are still reports of incidents like violence, attacking and arson of houses and premises, including exchange of firing.
It also stated that there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages, inciting the passions of the public which might have serious repercussions on the law and order situation in Manipur.
The order also mentioned that there is imminent danger of loss of life or damage to public/private property and widespread disturbances to public tranquility 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 is still 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 platforms such as Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc. on mobile phones etc. and sending bulk SMS, it added.
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