The Manipur government has suspended internet and mobile data services across five valley districts including Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching for five days starting 11:45 pm on Saturday, citing law and order concerns.
Curfew has been imposed and internet services suspended in several areas across five valley districts of Manipur after tensions and protests erupted on Saturday night following the arrest of a leader of the Meitei outfit, Arambai Tenggol.
The incident has been for five days, citing law and order concerns, affecting districts including Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching districts.
According to an official notification issued by Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N Ashok Kumar, the move was prompted by fears that anti-social elements could misuse social media platforms to spread hate messages, provocative images, and videos, potentially disrupting public order.
“In view of the prevailing law and order situation, especially in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts, there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages to incite the passion of the public,” the order stated.
“The order is being passed ex-parte in view of the emergent situation,” it read further.
The directive warned that any individual found violating the order would face legal consequences.
The decision came after widespread protests erupted in Imphal East and Imphal West on Saturday night following the arrest of a leader of the Meitei group Arambai Tenggol.
