GUWAHATI: Ban on internet services in Manipur has been extended till May 26.
The ban has been extended as the state government aims to curb the spread of rumours and hate speeches using social media.
As per media reports, several incidents of violence were reported from Manipur in the last two days.
“There is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use the 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,” the notification said.
The notification claimed that there is an imminent danger of loss of life or damage to public and private property, and widespread disturbances to the public tranquillity and communal harmony, as a result of inflammatory material and false rumours, which might be transmitted or circulated to the public through social media or messaging services on mobile phones, Short Message Service (SMS) and dongle services.
“To thwart the design and activities of the anti-national and anti-social elements, to maintain peace and communal harmony, and to prevent any loss of life or danger to the public or private property, it has become necessary to take adequate measures to maintain law and order in the public interest, by stopping the spread of disinformation and false rumors, through various social media platform such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter besides others, on various electronic equipment like tablet, computer, mobile phone, sending bulk SMS, for facilitating, and mobilization of mobs of agitators and demonstrators, which can cause loss of life and damage public or private property by indulging in arson or vandalism and other types of violent activities,” the order added.
The order explicitly states that the ban will remain in effect until 3:00 pm on May 26, 2023.
It may be mentioned here that Manipur has been experiencing ethnic clashes since May 3, which claimed the lives of at least 73 individuals, injured around 230 people, and displaced thousands, leaving them homeless.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh while speaking on the sidelines of a programme on Anti-Terrorism Day in Imphal on Sunday, called for peace.
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