MLakhipuronline Digital Desk – In a move to curb the potential for social media-fueled unrest, the Government of Manipur has ordered a temporary suspension of internet and mobile data services across the state for a period of 5 days.
The Home Department’s order, issued today, cites an “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.” This, the government says, could have “serious repercussions for the law-and-order situation in the State of Manipur.”
Invoking the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services rules, the order notes an “imminent danger of loss of life and /or damage to public/private property, and wide spread disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony” due to the potential spread of “inflammatory material and false rumours” on digital platforms.
To “thwart the design and activities of anti-national and anti-social elements and to maintain peace and communal harmony,” the state government has decided to temporarily suspend internet and mobile data services, including leased lines, VSATs, broadbands and VPN, from 3 PM on September 10 until 3 PM on September 15.
The order has been issued on an ex-parte basis, meaning without hearing the other side, and has been approved by the competent authority. Various government agencies and telecom providers have been directed to ensure immediate compliance.