A day after banning the internet in the valley districts, the Manipur government on Sunday banned the internet in two more districts of the state, namely Jiribam and Pherzawl.
An order by Vineet Joshi, chief secretary, GoM, on Sunday stated that there was a need to ban the internet “in view of the prevailing law and order situation in Jiribam district” and 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 in the district”.
ALSO READ: Curfew, internet ban cripple strife-torn Manipur
Moreover, 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/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 such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc. on various electronic equipments like tablet, computer, mobile phone etc. and sending bulk SMS, for facilitating and/or mobilization 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 order stated.
“Therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred under Rule 2 of Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, having satisfied that the above situation is likely to cause serious disturbances to the peaceful co-existence and maintenance of public order, do hereby order temporary suspension/curbing of internet and mobile data services including VSATS, broadband (IILL & FTTH) and VPN services in the territorial jurisdiction of currently affected Jiribam and Pherzawl districts of Manipur for two days with effect from 11.45 am of November 17, 2024 except for those lease lines and FTTH connections to government offices or any case whereby the state government grants exemption,” the CS stated.
The order is being passed ex-parte in view of the emergent situation, the government stated and warned that any person found guilty for violation of aforesaid orders will be liable for legal action.
