Manipur Govt to maintain peace extends ban on internet services in state till July 10

Digital Desk: Keeping track of the ongoing violence in Manipur, the government there said on Wednesday that it had extended the state's suspension of internet services for another five days, which is to retain till 3 p.m. on July 10, to prevent any disruption of peace and public order.

On May 3, when riots between ethnic communities erupted, officials in the northeastern state restricted internet access for the first time. It is being extended regularly.

"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." stated as per an issued official notice.

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According to a Manipur Home Department directive, efforts are being made to avoid serious risks to human life, property damage, and extensive disturbances to maintain public peace. 

It went on to say that there is concern that some anti-social elements may use social media extensively to spread hate speech, photos, and videos, inflaming the public's emotions and potentially having a major negative impact on Manipur's law and order situation.