Guwahati: The Manipur government on Sunday extended the suspension of mobile data and broadband services across the state for five more days to curb the spread of rumors and hate speeches amid reports of recurrence of incidents like arson of houses. The order, issued by the Manipur Home Department, said there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for the transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public which might have serious repercussions for the law and order situation in the state.
The notice also stated that there is an imminent danger of loss of life or damage to public and private property, and widespread disturbances to the public tranquility and communal harmony, as a result of inflammatory material and false rumors, which might be transmitted or circulated to the public through social media or messaging services on mobile phones, Short Message Service (SMS) and dongle services.
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"To thwart the design and activities of the anti-national and anti-social elements, to maintain peace and communal harmony, and to prevent any loss of life or danger to public or private property, it has become necessary to take adequate measures to maintain law and order in the public interest, by stopping the spread of disinformation and false rumors, through various social media platform such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter besides others, on various electronic equipment like tablet, computer, mobile phone, sending bulk SMS, for facilitating, and mobilization of mobs of agitators and demonstrators, which can cause loss of life and damage public or private property by indulging in arson or vandalism and other types of violent activities," the order further stated.
It was further mentioned that the suspensions are being continued "to prevent any disturbances of peace of the public, under the jurisdiction of Manipur, and shall be in force for another five days with immediate effect, from the time the suspension order becomes operational" till 3:00 pm of May 26, 2023.
The hill state has been rocked by ethnic clashes, ever since violence erupted on May 3, 2023, claiming at least 73 lives so far besides injuring around 230 people and rendering thousands of people homeless.
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Manipur Violence: CM Biren Singh Appeals To 'Not Go After Communities'
Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh while speaking on the sidelines of a program on Anti-Terrorism Day at the Old Secretariat in Imphal on Sunday, called for peace amid the challenges of maintaining the law and order situation in the state following the unrest earlier this month.
Chief Minister Singh also appealed to the people of the state, to blame the government and not the communities.
The Chief Minister went on to put forth a strong message saying, “My earnest appeal to the people of Manipur that it is not about the communities. Please blame the government. Whatever we the government can rectify we will do but please do not go after communities.”
On Saturday, Chief Minister Singh said that all possible efforts were being taken to restore peace and normalcy in the strife-torn state.
He added that every community living in Manipur is like a family member and it is quite obvious that family members living together sometimes quarrel with each other.
Chief Minister Singh further stressed that there is a need to put in efforts to restore love and a sense of camaraderie among the communities.
The remarks came as the opposition Congress continued to criticise and blame the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led State and Union governments for the situation in the state.
Taking a dig at the BJP, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on May 18 took to Twitter to express
Jairam Ramesh wrote, “15 days since the horrific violence erupted in Manipur and the internet was banned. Yesterday, the ban was extended for another 5 days. Banking, e-commerce, payments of e-bills, e-tickets, businesses, work from home, education, and many other essential services have come to a grinding halt. Meanwhile, not a single word was issued by the Prime Minister appealing for peace. Not a single visit by the Union Home Minister or any other Cabinet Minister to the state.”
Manipur's Kuki Underground Groups May Demand Separate Administration
In the midst of violence over the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status, the Kuki Underground Groups (UGs) of Manipur, which signed a suspension of operations (SoO) with the state government and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) way back in 2008, are reportedly contemplating demanding a separate administration and equal political status for the Kuki-Zo community, which will be separate from the state of Manipur though within the Union of India.
Meanwhile, as restrictions continue, the trucks carrying essential items to the Imphal Valley, have been moving with a special convoy of several goods-carrying trucks and private vehicles, under a special security cover of the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), so as to ensure that the people do not feel the shortage of any essential commodity.
The security cover in these special convoys includes Prophylactic Area Domination Patrols of the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, Quick Reaction Teams operating from the Company Operating Bases, aerial surveillance by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Cheetah helicopters, companies of the CAPF, Manipur Police commandos, with the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) tasked with ensuring the security and safety of the civilian vehicles plying on the NH 37.