Manipur Imposes Indefinite Curfew and Internet Ban Amid Rising Tensions

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Newmai News Network

IMPHAL, SEP 10: As the situations in the valley districts of Imphal West, Imphal East and Thoubal became volatile with protestors getting aggressive, the three district administrations have imposed indefinite curfew with effect from 11 am today.

In separate orders, the three district administrations said in their respective orders have been issued prohibiting or restricting of “movement of any person(s) outside their respective residences under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Ngarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023”

Meanwhile, the Home department has issued an order banning the internet in the state for five days with effect from 3 pm of September 10.

“In view of the prevailing law and order situation in the State of Manipur, 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 the State of Manipur,” the order said.

Also read | Manipur Governor Urges Unity and Peace Amidst Valley Unrest: ‘Land of Jewels’ Needs Collective Effort for Growth

It also said there is an imminent danger of loss of life and /or damage to public/private property, and wide spread disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony, as a result of inflammatory material and false rumours, which might be transmitted/circulated to the public through social media/ messaging services on mobile services, SMS services and dongle services, the order further said.

To thwart the design and activities of anti-national and anti-social elements and to maintain peace and communal harmony and to prevent any loss of life or danger to public/private property, it has become necessary to take adequate measures to maintain law and order in public interest, by stopping the spread of disinformation and false rumours, through various social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. on various electronic equipment like tablet, computer, mobile phone etc. and sending bulk SMS, for facilitating and/or mobilization of mobs of agitators and demonstrators, which can cause loss of life and/or damage to public/private property by indulging in arson/vandalism and other types of violent activities, it added.

Also read | Manipur Police Denies Allegations by Retired Assam Rifles DG, Calls for Peaceful Protests and Warns of Action Against Instigators

“Now, therefore, 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 above situation is likely to cause serious disturbances to the peaceful co-existence and maintenance of public order, do hereby order temporary suspension/curbing of internet and mobile data services including Lease Lines, VSATs, Broadbands and VPN services in the territorial jurisdiction of the State of Manipur for 5(five) days with effect from 3 pm of 10-09-2024 till 3 pm of 15-09-2024 subject to confirmation by the competent authority within 24 hours except for those cases whereby State Government has exempted and allowed for whitelisting,” it order stated.

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