Ban on mobile internet extended in violence-hit Manipur till November 8

The Manipur government on Sunday announced an extension of the mobile internet ban in the state for an additional three days, until November 8, 2023. This decision comes as part of ongoing efforts to maintain law and order in the region.

The initial suspension of internet services was put into effect on September 26, 2023, and has since been extended.

The Manipur Home Department issued an official statement, citing concerns about the potential misuse of social media and anti-social elements spreading images, hate speech, and hate video messages. The government expressed apprehension about these elements inciting public passions and posing a serious threat to the law-and-order situation in Manipur.

The government also expressed concerns over “imminent danger of loss of life and /or damage to public/private property, and widespread disturbances to public tranquility 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 specially in the context of the recent incidents of violence in some parts of the state”.

Keeping the situation in mind, the Manipur government extended suspension of mobile internet and data services for another three days till November 8.

The notification by commissioner (home) T Ranjit Singh stated that the state government would explore the possibility of opening mobile towers on a trial basis in district headquarters that have not been affected by the ongoing law-and-order crisis. If successful, this measure will be replicated in other areas where the security situation has improved.

Over 180 people have died and several hundreds have been injured since ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3. In the wake of violence, mobile internet was banned in Manipur. Months later, the mobile internet service was restored on September 23. However, curbs were again imposed four days later after students clashed with security forces after images of the bodies of two missing youths surfaced.