Imphal: The Manipur government on Sunday extended the suspension of mobile internet for two days in nine districts of the state till December 3. The extension aims to maintain public order amid ongoing tensions.
The Home Department issued an order extending the suspension in nine districts: Imphal West, Imphal East, Kakching, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Pherzawl, and Jiribam.
Notably, internet services in Manipur were suspended on November 16 to prevent further unrest in affected areas. This decision was made in response to widespread violence that erupted after the recovery of three women’s bodies from the Jiri River in Manipur and three children’s bodies from the Barak River in Assam.
“The state government after reviewing the prevailing law and order situation and its correlation with the general operation of internet services has decided to continue suspension of mobile internet and mobile data services including VSATs and VPN services in the territorial jurisdiction of Imphal West, Imphal East, Kakching, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Churachandpur and Kangpokpi, Pherzawl and Jiribam of Manipur till 5.15 pm of December 3, in public interest,” the order said.
Recognizing the hardships faced by the public, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and other offices, the state government conditionally lifted the suspension on broadband services (ILL and FTTH) on November 19.
The order had, however, stated that subscribers should not accept any connection other than the one allowed, and no wifi or hotspots should be allowed.
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More than 250 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups since May last year.
