Manipur govt extends ban on internet till June 15; record 37 days and counting

Imphal: The Manipur government has further extended ban on internet for another 5 days in the entire territorial jurisdiction of the State of Manipur with immediate effect from June 10. The State government has been effectively banning internet in Manipur since May 4.

The order extending the ban on the internet for five more days, that is till 3 pm of June 15 stated that there are still reports of incidents of violence, attacking and arson of houses and premises including exchange of firing.

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The government said the order is issued to “to curb the spread of false news, rumours and misinformation through social media platforms which have the potential to disturb law and order situations in the state.” Biren Singh’s government snapped internet in parts of Manipur from May 3 evening onwards.

It may be noted that the Supreme Court declined urgent hearing on plea by two Manipur residents against the prolonged internet ban in Manipur on Friday.

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Meanwhile, Justice UB Saha, Chairperson of Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) accompanied by Member KK Singh in an order on Wednesday (June 7), responding to a complaint petition has sought response from the [respondent] Government of Manipur, “issuing notice to the Chief Secretary to the State of Manipur and Commissioner (Home), Government of Manipur directing them to file their responses by way of status report,” on or before June 15, 2023 for the prolonged internet ban in the state.

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The suspension/curbing include mobile data services, internet/data services included broadband viz. Reliance Jo Fiber, Airtel Xtreme Black, BSL FTTH etc. and internet/data services through VSATs of Bharatnet Phase-II in the territorial jurisdiction of the State of Manipur. All Service providers are hereby directed to ensure compliance of this order, it said.

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