The Government of Manipur on July 5 decided to extend the suspension of internet services in the state till July 10 “to prevent any disturbance of peace and public order”.
Manipur Violence
“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 situation is likely to cause serious disturbances to the peaceful co-existence and maintenance of public order, do hereby order further suspension/curbing of mobile data services, internet/data services including broadband viz. Reliance Jio Fibre, Airtel Xtreme Black, BSNL FTTH, VPN etc. and internet/data services through VSATS of Bharatnet Phase-II in the territorial jurisdiction of the State of Manipur,” an official notification said.
This suspension order becomes operational till 3:00 pm on July 10. “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 law and order situation,” a statement issued by Home Commissioner T Ranjit Singh said.
The authorities had banned internet services across the state for the first time on May 3. It is being extended from time to time.