Manipur Violence: Government extends internet ban up to 10 July

The state of Manipur’s restriction on internet services has been extended once more on Wednesday, with the fresh extension lasting until July 10, 2023.

The Manipur Home Department stated in a statement that precautions are being taken to avoid serious risks to human life, property damage, and extensive disturbances of public tranquilly.

“In exercise of the powers conferred under Rule 2 of Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, having satisfied that the situation is likely to cause serious disturbances to the peaceful co-existence and maintenance of public order, do hereby order further suspension/curbing of mobile data services, internet/data services including broadband viz. Reliance Jio Fibre, Airtel Xtreme Black, BSNL FTTH, VPN etc. and internet/data services through VSATS of Bharatnet Phase-II in the territorial jurisdiction of the State of Manipur,” a statement released by officials said.

Ban on Internet Services in Manipur to last 3:00 PM on July 10

The official announcement states that this order will be in place from the time it goes into effect until 3:00 pm on July 10 for an additional five days with immediate effect.

It went on to say that there is concern that some anti-social elements may use social media extensively to spread hate speech, photos, and videos, inflaming the public’s emotions and potentially having a major negative impact on Manipur’s law and order situation.

After being closed for more than two months owing to the ethnic violence that broke out in the highland state on May 3, schools run by the Manipur government’s Department of Education (Schools) earlier on Wednesday reopened and began their regular sessions for sessions 1 through 8.

The decision was made with the children’s welfare in mind, according to individuals aware of the positive outcome. They said that the parents and guardians of the pupils are pleased that the schools have reopened after a protracted summer break.

After confrontations at a demonstration called by the All Tribal Students Union (ATSU) to protest against the demand that Meiteis be added to the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs), ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3.

More than 130 individuals lost their lives during the fighting in Manipur, which caused many to move into relief camps.