Amid sporadic incidents of violence, the Manipur government on Friday suspended internet services for five more days with immediate effect. An order issued by the Home Department of Manipur stated the decision was taken in view of some reports of violence and in order to “thwart the design and activities of anti-national and anti-social elements” who might use social media for transmission of images and hate speech “inciting the passions of the public”.
The Home Department of Manipur order read, “There are still reports of incidents like fighting among volunteers and youths of major communities residing in the state with reports of arson. 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 of Manipur.”
“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 or private property, it has become 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 platform such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter besides others, on mobile phones and Short Message Service (SMS),” the order stated.
“Under the above mentioned reasons, in which the situation is likely to cause serious disturbances to the peaceful co-existence and maintenance of public order, do hereby order further suspension and curbing of mobile data service, internet and data services including broadband in the entire state of Manipur. The order is issued to prevent any disturbances of peace and public order in the jurisdiction of the state and shall be in force for another five days with immediate effect,” the Home Department order further read.
However, the overall situation in Manipur remained peaceful on Friday with no major incident of violence being reported. However, a few sporadic incidents took place in some of the areas.
Meanwhile, a soldier of the Assam Rifles sustained minor injuries while defusing an improvised bomb in Saitan village in Manipur’s Bishnupur district on Friday morning. According to a defence spokesperson, the crude bomb was locally fabricated and the soldier was trying to defuse it when it exploded.