While indefinite curfew remained enforced in violence-hit districts following the series of communal clashes since May 3, suspension in Internet/data services has been extended till June 5.
Internet shutdown has affected online banking, payment of bills and all forms of digital financial transactions across the state, besides putting many professionals, who are dependent entirely on the internet, on the verge of losing their jobs. Needless to say, people of the state have also been experiencing feelings of fear, panic, helplessness and frustration following the disruption in the source of communication due to the internet shutdown.
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The Manipur government banned internet or data services, including broadband viz. Reliance Jio Fiber, Airtel Extreme Black, BSNL FTTH, in view of the prevailing tense law and order situation of the state, in an effort "to prevent any disturbances of peace and public order" and to control the spread of rumours, fake news and misinformation on social media platforms. Now, the question is whether the ban on the internet is serving its purpose.
Despite the imposition of the internet shutdown, social media platforms are flooded with numerous posts, photos and videos of violence and the continuing unrest in the state. As the state continues to witness widespread arson, violence and killings, many outside the state have taken to social media platforms, especially Facebook and Twitter, amplifying their viewpoint against the other community while highlighting their side of the story of the violence.
According to official sources, over 75 people have been killed, scores of properties destroyed and thousands of people have been displaced and rendered homeless in the ethnic violence that began on May 3 between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
Several social media handles were found to have been created recently or became active only after the communal violence in the state. In an effort to amplify their voices, these new Twitter handles, irrespective of the communities, seem to have escalated propaganda war online with misleading claims, distorting and manipulating facts on Manipur ethnic violence.
D-Intent Data, a "Propaganda and Fake News Detection Centre, A News Data Research Organization, Focusing on Neutral Fact-Checking And Intent Analysis." has claimed that it has busted ‘bot accounts’ on Twitter.
Recently, a Facebook account in the name of one M Premjoy Meitei, inciting violence and creating panic among tribal communities was found fake. The Imphal Police Station had registered a case regarding the account and after proper investigation, it was found that the Facebook account in the name of M Premjoy Meitei was a fake one, the DIPR stated.
Therefore, the internet ban in Manipur, imposed to curb rumours and fake news on social media platforms, does not seem to have prevented a propaganda war online. Members of both the warring communities continue to use social media platforms to amplify their voice, right or wrong, even as all hope for violence to end soon. Traumatised by the unprecedented violence, people in the state yearn for speedy return of peace and normalcy in the state and lifting of curfew and ban on internet services.
(The views expressed are personal)
