On Tuesday, the Manipur government announced the extension of the ban on mobile internet services for an additional period of five days, with the new deadline set for November 5. This move is intended to curb the dissemination of harmful content such as messages, images, and videos by individuals with malicious intentions.
The state authorities have now prolonged the mobile internet ban twice within a span of less than a week, despite indications from Chief Minister N. Biren Singh that the ban might be reconsidered in the near future.
In an official notification from the Home Department issued on Tuesday, the extension of the ban was justified based on concerns that certain anti-social elements could exploit social media extensively to circulate images, hate speech, and provocative videos that may incite public sentiments, potentially leading to significant disturbances in law and order.
The Director General of Police in Manipur reported on October 30 that there were ongoing public protests against the deployment of Central Security forces, as well as public gatherings, meetings at local clubs, and attempts to approach elected members' residences and leaders of civil society organizations.
The notification emphasized the looming threat of loss of life, damage to public and private property, and widespread disruptions to public peace and communal harmony. These potential consequences could arise from the dissemination of inflammatory content and false rumors through various social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and others, using electronic devices such as tablets, computers, and mobile phones. Bulk SMS services that may facilitate the mobilization of protest groups and demonstrators were also mentioned as a concern.
The decision to suspend or restrict mobile internet and data services, as well as internet and data services through virtual private networks (VPNs) within the territorial jurisdiction of Manipur, has been made under the powers conferred by Rule 2 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017. The state government has justified this measure as necessary to maintain law and order, safeguard public interest, prevent the spread of misinformation and false rumors, and thwart the actions of individuals with anti-national and anti-social agendas.
The suspension order is effective immediately and will be in place until 7.45 p.m. on November 5, 2023. The primary objective is to counter the potential organization of agitators and demonstrators who could engage in violent activities such as arson, vandalism, and other disruptive actions that might lead to loss of life and damage to public and private property.
