The Manipur government has extended the ban on mobile internet/data services for five more days till October 11 with immediate effect, in an effort to prevent further disturbances of peace and public order in the violence-hit state.
Latest orders issued by the Manipur government on Friday announced that the suspension/curbing of mobile internet data services, internet/data services through VPN in the territorial jurisdiction of the state of Manipur will be extended for five more days till 7.45 pm of October 11.
The order issued by Commissioner (Home) T Ranjit Singh, stated that the move is taken following apprehension that anti-social elements might use media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of public which might have serious repercussions for the law and order situation in the state.
The statement also said that there is an imminent danger of loss of life or damage to public, private property, widespread disturbances to public tranquility and communal harmony as a result of inflammatory material or false rumors, which might be transmitted or circulated to the public through social media platforms, it stated.
It further mentioned reports of incidents of violence like confrontation of the public with security forces, attempts to mob elected member’s residences, civil protests in front of police stations etc. It emphasized the need to take adequate measures to maintain law and order in the public interest and maintain peace and communal harmony.
The order is issued under the power conferred under Rule 2 of Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, it mentioned. It added that the order is being passed ex-parte in view of the emergent situation.
