Following the fresh spurt of violence in Manipur since earlier this month, the authorities today imposed a five-day ban on mobile internet, broadband, and VPN in Manipur, after declaring a curfew earlier in the day in all five valley districts of the state.

An order issued by the government of Manipur underscored that 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 Manipur, given the prevailing condition in the state.

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The order further noted that there is an imminent danger of loss of life and or damage to public and private property and widespread disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony as a result of inflammatory material and false rumours transmitted or circulated to the public through social media and other messaging services on mobile services, SMS services, and dongle services.

Stating that to prevent the design and activities of anti-national and anti-social elements maintain peace and communal harmony and prevent any loss of life or danger to public and private property, the order said 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 rumours through various social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and other channels. The order underscored that sending messages facilitates or mobilizes mobs of agitators and demonstrators, causing loss of life and damage to public and private property by indulging in arson, vandalism, and other violence.

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The release then announced the temporary suspension/curbing of internet and mobile data services, including lease lines, VSATs, broadband, and VPN services, in the territorial jurisdiction of the State of Manipur for five days.

In the order, the Joint Secretary (Home), Government of Manipur, said, “I hereby order temporary suspension/curbing of internet and mobile data services, including lease lines, VSATs, broadband, and VPN services, in the territorial jurisdiction of the State of Manipur for five days.

The fresh violence in Manipur started when one person was shot dead in his sleep and four others were killed in a subsequent exchange of fire between people from two warring communities in the Jiribam district on Saturday, escalating the situation again. The state was slowly returning to normalcy since the ethnic clashes started in May 2023 between Kukis and Meiteis.