IMPHAL: The Manipur government announced on Sunday the extension of the ban on internet services in the Indian state for an additional five days in order to maintain peace and public order. The decision comes amidst ethnic clashes and violence that have plagued the Northeast Indian state.
According to an official release, the ban on internet services in Manipur has been extended until 3 pm on June 30 to prevent any disturbances to peace and public order within the state’s jurisdiction. The government cited the “persisting unrest” as the reason for the extension of the ban on mobile internet services.
Incidents of Violence in Manipur
The release mentioned that the Director General of Police, Manipur, reported incidents of violence, attacks, arson, and exchange of gunfire. There are concerns that anti-social elements might exploit social media platforms to disseminate images, hate speech, and incendiary video messages, potentially inciting public unrest with serious repercussions for the law and order situation in Manipur.
This marks the third consecutive extension of the ban on internet services in the state. The Manipur government initially suspended mobile internet services on May 3 amid escalating ethnic violence, and the ban has remained in effect ever since. On June 11, the ban was extended until June 15, and later for an additional five days from June 20 to June 25.
Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence for the past month following a high court directive to consider including the Meitei community in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs). The central government had to deploy paramilitary forces to address the escalating violence in the state.
The outbreak of violence in Manipur occurred on May 3 during a rally organized by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) to protest against the demand for the inclusion of Meiteis in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs).
