The Manipur government on Saturday suspended mobile internet services in the territorial jurisdiction of the state for two days with immediate effect in view of the fresh violence in the state.
The same was informed by chief secretary, Government of Manipur, Vineet Joshi in a latest notice by orders and in the name of the Governor. The move was taken as the situation is likely to cause possible serious disturbances to the peaceful co-existence and maintenance of public order, it stated.
It ordered temporary suspension/curbing of internet and mobile data services including VSATs, broadband (IIL & FTTH) and VPN services in the territorial jurisdiction of currently affected districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi and Churachandpur for two days with effect from 5.15 pm of Saturday, except for those lease lines and FTTH connections to government offices or any case whereby the state government grants exemption.
lt noted the prevailing law and order situation in the state, and said 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 for the law-and-order situation in the state.
It also stated that 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.
The statement said that 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 platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. on various electronic equipment like tablet, computer, mobile phone etc. and sending bulk SMS, for facilitating and/or mobilisation of mobs of agitators and demonstrators, which can cause loss of life and/or damage to public/private property by indulging in arson/vandalism and other types of violent activities.
The move was taken to thwart the design and activities of anti-national and anti-social elements and to maintain peace and communal harmony and prevent any loss of life or danger to public/private property, it maintained.
The order is issued ex-parte in view of the emergent situation in exercise of the powers conferred under Rule 2 of Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, it added. It warned that any person found guilty for violation of aforesaid orders will be liable for legal actions.
