Imphal: The Manipur government has decided to extend the suspension of mobile internet and data services for another two days in nine districts, including the conflict-affected Jiribam district. Officials indicated this decision was made as a precautionary measure.
A senior official from the Home Department reported that apart from one person missing in Kangpokpi district since November 25, no significant incidents have occurred in the nine affected districts since November 18. The extension of internet suspension is intended to prevent potential misuse by anti-social elements who might exploit social media to disseminate inflammatory content that could exacerbate tensions in the region.
Commissioner of Home, N. Ashok Kumar, stated in his order that the suspension is aimed at maintaining law and order due to concerns about social media being used for spreading hate speech and inciting public unrest.
The suspension will be in effect in the following districts: Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Jiribam, and Pherzawl, until 5:15 p.m. on December 3.
The internet suspension initially began following violent incidents on November 16, when mobs attacked the residences of ministers and political figures after the discovery of the bodies of three missing children and three women in Jiribam. The mobile internet ban has been extended periodically for 17 days since then.
Despite the ongoing restrictions, educational institutions in six districts resumed regular classes on November 29, and curfews have been eased in the violence-impacted regions of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kakching, and Jiribam. However, gatherings or rallies still require prior approval from local authorities per the District Magistrate’s directives.