The Manipur government has decided to extend the ongoing internet service suspension in the state for an additional period of five days. This extension has been prompted by reports of fresh outbreaks of violence in certain areas. The state's police department issued an order on Saturday, prolonging the internet ban until October 26, primarily due to concerns related to maintaining law and order, as well as the potential for further violence.
It's worth noting that this decision comes shortly after Chief Minister N Biren Singh had assured the public that these restrictions would soon be lifted. However, the latest order issued by the state's police chief references various incidents, such as "confrontations resembling violence" between the public and security forces, instances of individuals attempting to gather near the residences of elected officials, and civil protests taking place outside police stations.
The order also expresses concerns about the possibility of certain individuals with malicious intent exploiting social media platforms to disseminate images, hate speech, and video messages aimed at inciting the public.
The document states, "There is an imminent danger of loss of life and damage to public/private property, along with potential disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony. These concerns arise from the spread of inflammatory content and false rumours that could be transmitted and circulated through various channels, including social media, mobile messaging services, SMS services, and dongle services."
According to the state's police, the continued ban on internet services is seen as a necessary measure to ensure public safety by preventing the spread of misleading information and unfounded rumours.
The backdrop to this decision is a series of ethnic clashes between the Kukis and Meiteis, which began on May 3 and have resulted in approximately 200 casualties and several hundred injuries. The violence erupted following a 'Tribal Solidarity March' staged in the hill districts of Manipur in protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
Initially, internet services were suspended on May 5 and were briefly restored on September 23. However, they were reimposed two days later after images of two missing students' bodies went viral, leading to renewed protests.
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