Manipur Extends Internet Ban Till May 20, Launches Helpline Number To Combat Misinformation

In the wake of recent violence in the state, Manipur has extended the ban on the internet till May 20 and launched a helpline number to combat misinformation.

Guwahati: The Manipur government has extended the suspension of internet services across the state for another five days till May 20, while it launched a helpline number to curb the menace of misinformation in the state. An order issued by Manipur Home Commissioner H Gyan Prakash stated that the suspension on internet services was being extended for another five days in the entire jurisdiction of Manipur as there were still reports of fighting amongst the volunteers and youth of major communities, residing in the state, along with also reports of arson.

The order stated that all internet services, including mobile data and broadband, will continue to remain suspended in the state, with immediate effect, to prevent any disturbances of peace and public order.

On the other hand, with the launch of the helpline number 9485280461, people could report to the authorities any misinformation and at the same time confirm unverified information.

The Manipur government suspended mobile data services in eight districts of the state on May 3, following the outbreak of violence.

Meanwhile, the overall situation in the state, by and large, remained peaceful on Tuesday, with no incidents of major or sporadic incidents of violence reported from across the state.

Earlier on Monday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah gave clear instructions to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh not to spare perpetrators responsible for any kind of violence in the state.

The Centre had also asked the Manipur government to start mega outreach programs soon with all the ethnic communities living in the state.

Violence erupted in the hill state on May 3 during a tribal solidarity march in protest against the Meiteis’ demand of Scheduled Tribes (ST) status.

Tension was already brewing in the state in view of the eviction of Kuki villagers from the reserve forest lands. The May 3 incident further fueled the situation, thus adding to the woes. The violent clashes in the state have so far claimed at least 73 lives besides leaving another 230 people injured. Over 1,700 were torched by miscreants.