Manipur HC Directs State Govt To Activate Mobile Towers In Areas Unaffected By Ethnic Violence

A joint statement by Chief Justice Siddharth Mridul and Justice Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui, constituting the division bench urged the state to provide mobile services to areas that are not impacted by violence.

The Manipur High Court has instructed the state government to activate the mobile towers on a trial basis in all headquarters unaffected by the ethnic conflicts. This comes after the state government’s decision to extend the ban on mobile internet in the state until November 8. A joint statement by Chief Justice Siddharth Mridul and Justice Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui, constituting the division bench urged the state to provide mobile services to areas that are not impacted by violence.

Further, the court requested the Manipur government for copies of all orders related to the suspension or restriction of mobile internet services available on its official website.

Ethnic conflicts have significantly impacted 10 districts in the northeastern state. While broadband services, banned since May 4 for approximately two months, have been partially restored since mid-July.

To ensure the compliance with these instructions, a hearing has been scheduled for November 9. With the exception of a brief period in September, mobile internet has remained prohibited in Manipur since May 3 when ethnic clashes erupted..

The decision to lift the ban came after a mob attacked a 1 Manipur Rifles camp to loot its armoury. The internet ban was extended following apprehensions that "anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speeches and hate video messages, inciting the passions of the public which might have serious repercussions for the law and order situation in the state".

Manipur has witnessed recurring episodes of violence since the initial outbreak of ethnic clashes in May. Over 180 people have lost their lives in these conflicts.

The disputes revolve around a range of grievances, with the primary issue centering on the attempt to grant Meiteis Scheduled Tribe status, which was subsequently reversed, and the effort to relocate tribes residing in protected forest areas. Meiteis constitute roughly 53% of Manipur's population, primarily residing in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, make up 40% and are concentrated in the hill districts.