New Delhi: The Manipur Government reinstated a ban on Internet services in the state on Tuesday after disturbing images depicting before-and-after scenes of the gruesome killing of two students who had been missing since July 6 surfaced on social media.
As per the government order, mobile internet data services and internet/data services will remain suspended until 7:45 pm on October 1.
“In view of the prevailing law and order situation in the State of Manipur, the State Government views very seriously with utmost sensitivity the reports spread of disinformation, false rumors and other types of violent activities through various social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. on electronic equipments like a tablet, computer, mobile phone etc and sending bill SMS likely facilitating and/or mobilization of mobs of agitators and demonstrators, which may cause loss of life and/or damage to public/private property or aggravates the law and order situation in the State,” the Manipur government order said.
Earlier today, Imphal witnessed a protest as hundreds of students marched through the streets demanding justice for the two Meitei students who disappeared amidst the height of ethnic turmoil in the state.
This comes just days after the Manipur government announced the restoration of internet services in the state after a months-long suspension.
Manipur has been witnessing a surge in violence since May, following the protests by the Kuki and Meitei communities. These protests are in response to a High Court directive urging the state government to consider including the Meitei community within the Scheduled Tribes (ST) category.