Manipur Violence: Mobile internet ban extended in five districts, now services will remain suspended till this date

Amid violence in Manipur, the government has extended the ban on mobile internet services in the territorial jurisdiction of five districts of the state for five more days. Now internet services will remain banned in these districts till 3 pm on September 20.

The Commissioner (Home) of the Manipur government on Sunday issued an order regarding the extension of the ban on mobile internet services, which said, "Given the prevailing law and order situation, the state government has decided to continue the suspension of internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN services, in the territorial jurisdiction of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching districts of Manipur for the next 5 days." He said that mobile internet services will remain banned from 3 pm on September 15 to 3 pm on September 20.

On September 12, the state government liberally lifted the suspension of internet services in case of broadband service (ILL and FTTH) subject to the fulfillment of terms and conditions. However, the state government decided to keep the mobile internet data suspended as there is still a possibility of disinformation and false rumors spreading through various social media.

Earlier in the day, the state authorities relaxed the curfew from 5 am to 12 noon in all areas of Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, and Thoubal districts for the convenience of the general public to buy essential commodities including medicines and food items. People were forced to return to their respective places as the relaxation period in the curfew ended. However, the movement of persons related to essential services was exempted from imposing a curfew after the expiry of the said period of relaxation.

Let us tell you that given the law and order situation arising due to the students' protest amid the Manipur violence, the authorities have imposed a curfew in the valley districts from 11 am on September 10. Violence has been going on in Manipur since a rally turned violent in May last year. More than 200 people have lost their lives in this violence so far. Whereas, more than 50 thousand people have been internally displaced.