IMPHAL: The Manipur government restored broadband internet services in five districts namely Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching on Thursday. However, mobile internet data services remain restricted.
In a statement, the state government cited concerns about the potential for disinformation and false rumours to be spread through social media, leading to further unrest and violence.
“The state government decided to keep suspension of mobile internet data as there are still apprehensions of having spread of disinformation and false rumours, through various social media, 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 for which the control mechanism is still poor, an order released by commissioner (home) N Ashok Kumar stated.
It stated that the suspension of mobile internet data was necessary to maintain public order and prevent further loss of life and property damage.
The decision to partially lift the internet ban came after a review by the Manipur government. They acknowledged the negative impact the internet ban had on people across various professions and sectors.
The internet suspension was initially imposed on Tuesday due to fears of anti-social elements using social media to incite violence and spread hate speech. The government said the ban was necessary to prevent further escalation of the situation in the strife-torn state.
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An order issued by the Home Department on Tuesday said, “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 Lease Lines, VSATs, Broadbands and VPN services in the territorial jurisdiction of the State of Manipur for five days with effect from 3:00 pm of September 10 till 3:00 pm of September 15 subject to confirmation by the competent authority within 24 hours except for those cases whereby state Government has exempted and allowed for whitelisting.”
