In violence-hit Manipur ban on internet extended till October 21

Imphal: In response to the ongoing unrest in Manipur, the state government has extended the suspension of mobile data internet services till October 21, 2023, according to an official notification issued on October 16. The move comes in an attempt to control the situation and prevent further escalation of violence.
The Director General of Police, Manipur expressed concern over reports of violent incidents, including clashes between the public and security forces, mob attempts at the residences of elected officials, and citizen protests in front of police stations.
The government, fearing that anti-social elements may use the social media platform to spread images, hate speech and inflammatory video messages, urged the public to exercise restraint.
The extension of the suspension was deemed necessary to prevent possible loss of life, damage to public and private property and disruption of public peace and communal harmony due to the spread of inflammatory material and false rumours.
Such content can be sent through social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and various electronic devices including tablets, computers and mobile phones as well as bulk SMS services.
These measures are aimed at maintaining peace, communal harmony and law and order.
The decision taken under Rule 2 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017 is considered important in ensuring peaceful coexistence of communities and maintaining public order and peace in the state. And peace is to be maintained.
The suspension is expected to remain in effect until 07:45 P.M. On 21 October 2023.