UKHRUL: The Government of Manipur in view of the violation of law and order in Ukhrul District has issued an order to ban internet services for 5 days.
The order states, “some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, posts and video messages inciting the passions of the public which might imminent danger of liss of life and/or damage to public /private property, and wide spread false rumours, which might be transmitted/circulated to the public through social media/ messaging services or mobile services, SMS services and dongle services.’”
Despite an order issued by the Office of the District Magistrate imposing restrictions on movement and activities in Litan village, more than 24 verifiable properties were set ablaze—21 belonging to Tangkhuls and three to Kukis. The situation on the ground continues to remain tense.
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Manipur Police, responding on social media to allegations that security forces were involved in the arson, said the claims were false. The police stated that their teams reached the site and called the fire brigade, and that an Army team arrived around an hour later. According to the police, local youths then recorded videos and circulated allegations against the Army after personnel did not leave the area.
According to press statements issued by Litan Sareikhong and the Kuki Students’ Organisation, the victim’s family had approached the Chief of Litan Sareikhong, and the matter was proposed to be resolved in accordance with customary practices. However, the press release issued by Litan Sareikhong stated that the victim’s family did not appear the following day.
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The Katho Long and Katho Katamnao Long argued that no such meeting or arrangement has been made so far, adding that they should retract such unfounded statements immediately and clarify that the statement is false, and verify the facts before hastily making a press statement in the future.
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Therefore, in view of the prevailing situation, the Government of India, exercising powers conferred under Rule 3 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecommunication Services Rules, 2024, has ordered the suspension of internet and data services, including broadband, VPN and VSAT services, across the entire revenue jurisdiction of Ukhrul district.