Mobile internet service in Manipur is shut down for five days due to safety concerns

• Image Credit: internet

• Aug 7, 2022 | Sourav Boruah

 Digital Desk: According to a government decision, mobile data use in
Manipur has been halted for five days due to an event that was reported from
the Bishnupur area. The ruling notes that some antisocial elements have
attempted to use social media for the "transmission of photos, hate
speech, and hate video messages stirring the passion of the public,"
adding that the "rumor-mongers" may cause problems for the state's
law and order.

The action was taken in response to an eco-van being set on fire in
Bishnpur's Phougakchao Ikhang neighbourhood by "three to four youth of a
community".

According to reports,
the incident "generated a stressful social climate and a state-wide law
and order problem."

The district has also
outlawed large gatherings. Additionally, the Bishnupur Area Magistrate has
issued prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code for
the whole valley district starting on Saturday night and lasting for two
months.

The order issued by
the home department of the government of Manipur states that there is
"imminent danger of loss of life and of damage to public property."

tensions have existed
in the northeastern state since Friday after Student Union Manipur (ATSUM)
declared an economic blockade along the state's national highways for an
indefinite period of time. The student body protested after the government
unveiled the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council 6th and 7th Amendment Bills
earlier this week, demanding that the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District
Council Bill 2021.

To ensure that the hill region's growth is on par with the
state's valley areas, the student body has been calling for more financial and
administrative autonomy of the area through the bill.