IMPHAL, June 10(NNN): The Manipur government has extended the ban on internet services till June 15 even as the curfew relaxation hours in the districts of Imphal West and Imphal East extended till 8 pm.
An order of the Home department issued today extended the ban till 3 pm of June 15.
The order extending the ban on the internet for five more days, that is till June 15, stated that there are still reports of incidents of violence, attacking and arson of houses and premises including exchange of firing.
As such 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.
So, the ban on mobile data services/internet/data services including broadband services and internet/data services through VASTs of Bharatnet Phase-II is further extended in the territorial jurisdiction of the state of Manipur, except for those who have already been specifically exempted by the government and may be exempted subsequently.
The order stated that the ban on the internet was necessitated to thwart the design and activities of anti-national and anti-social elements and to maintain peace and communal harmony and to prevent any loss of life or danger to public/private property.
The order also mentioned that it is still necessary to take adequate measures to maintain law and order in public interest, by stopping the spread of disinformation and rumours, through various social media platforms such as Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc. on mobile phones etc. and sending bulk SMS.
The order further directed service providers, Reliance Jio Fiber, Airtel Xtreme Black, BSNL FTTH etc. to ensure compliance of the order.
Any person found guilty for violation of aforesaid orders will be liable for legal action, it added.
Meanwhile, curfew relaxation period has been extended to 15 hours from 5 am to 8 pm on June 11 in the twin capital districts of Imphal East and Imphal West.
Orders issued by the respective district magistrates of the two districts stated that extension of the curfew relaxation hours is to facilitate the public to purchase essential items including medicines and food supplies.
All persons belonging to essential services such as the health, PHED, Municipal officials/staff, power department, media personnel and functioning of courts will be exempted from further imposition of curfew after the expiry of the said period of relaxation.
The curfew relaxation period in Kangpokpi district has also been extended for 10 hours from 5am till 3pm on June 11 by an order of the district administration.
