'On Trial Basis': Manipur High Court Directs State Govt To Lift Mobile Internet Ban In Peaceful Areas

The decision by a division bench comprised of Chief Justice Siddharth Mridul and Justice Kabui came after the Manipur administration prolonged the state's mobile internet ban till November 8.

Representational Image.

Source : ANI

The Manipur High Court has ordered the state government to test mobile towers in all district headquarters that have not been touched by ethnic violence, news agency PTI reported. The decision by a division bench comprised of Chief Justice Siddharth Mridul and Justice Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui came after the Manipur administration prolonged the state's mobile internet ban till November 8. "The state of Manipur is directed to open and operationalise mobile towers, on a trial basis, in all those district headquarters which have not been affected by violence," the court said while hearing a PIL.

The November 6 judgement further requested that the Manipur government expand the services to other regions if the peace and order situation allows.

The court ordered the state to post copies of all rulings relating to the suspension or curtailment of mobile internet data services on its official website.

The matter's next compliance hearing is scheduled on November 9.

Except for a few days in September, mobile internet has been prohibited in Manipur since May 3, when ethnic violence erupted.

The new step comes after a crowd looted a Manipur Rifles camp here last week, causing security officers to fire multiple rounds into the air.

Yoihenba Dhruva Aribam, attorney for one of the petitioners, expressed optimism that the state administration will follow the high court's orders.

The lawyer also expressed optimism that the All Naga Students' Association Manipur will remove its economic blockade in protest of the extending of the internet ban in hill regions that had not been touched by the violence.

The economic embargo enforced on November 3 has hampered the delivery of vital supplies in several northeastern states.

The ban on the internet was broadened because it was believed 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".

Ten of the state's sixteen districts have been afflicted by ethnic violence.

Broadband services, which were likewise suspended on May 4 for almost two months, have been largely restored since mid-July.

Since ethnic riots started in May, Manipur has been plagued by periodic outbreaks of violence. Since then, more than 180 people have been slain.

The conflicts have happened over a variety of complaints that both sides have against the other, but the crux of the problem has been a drive to grant Meiteis Scheduled Tribe status, which has since been reversed, and an attempt to evict tribals living in protected forest regions.

Meiteis make up around 53% of Manipur's population and dwell predominantly in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, make up 40% and live mostly in the hill regions.