The Manipur government on October 1 extended the suspension of mobile internet in the state till October 6.
Manipur Unrest
The announcement came hours after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested four people in connection with the killing of two Meitei youths who had gone missing in July.
Following widespread student protests related to the killing, the ban was initially imposed on September 26.
A notification issued by the state government stated, “There is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public which might have serious repercussions for the law and order situation in the state of Manipur.”
“It has become necessary to take adequate measures to maintain law and order in public interest, by stopping the spread of disinformation and false rumours, through various social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc. on various electronic equipment…” it further stated.
