GUWAHATI: The Manipur state government has decided to extend the ongoing ban on mobile internet services in the region for an additional five days, now set to continue until October 31. This decision comes as a reversal of Chief Minister N Biren Singh's previous statement that the ban would be lifted shortly.
The move to prolong the ban is based on concerns regarding the potential misuse of social media platforms for the dissemination of images, hate speech, and incendiary videos that could incite public sentiments, potentially leading to law and order disturbances, as per official government notification.
The notification, issued by Commissioner (home) T. Ranjit Singh, pointed to reports received from the Director General of Police (DGP) on October 25.
The DGP's report highlighted ongoing incidents of violence, including confrontations between the public and security forces, attempts to assemble at elected members' residences, and civil protests outside police stations. The notice emphasised the necessity of measures to maintain public order, counteract the activities of anti-national and anti-social elements, and prevent the spread of misinformation and rumours through social media platforms.
The mobile internet services ban was initially imposed on May 3 following violent incidents in the state. While it was partially restored on September 23, it had to be reinstated on September 26 after students clashed with security forces due to images of two missing youths' bodies emerging, reigniting unrest.