As a preventive measure to curb the spread of harmful messages, photos and videos by anti-social elements, the Manipur government on Monday extended the ban on mobile internet service for another five days till November 18.
Mobile internet was first banned in the entire state 195 days ago after the ethnic violence between broke out in Manipur on May 3. Since then the ban has been extended after every five days.
Manipur Commissioner (Home), T. Ranjit Singh, said in a notification on Monday that the3 Director General of Police has said that there are reports of exchange of fire between two communities in the fringe areas of five districts including Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Imphal East and Imphal West.
Also, there are reports of public protests like total shutdown/bandh demanding the whereabouts of two missing youths, and abduction of four individuals by unknown armed criminals.
“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 Manipur,” Singh said in the notification.
It added: “There is an imminent danger of loss of life and/or damage to public/private property, and wide spread 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 on mobile services, SMS services and dongle services.”