Manipur: Mobile Data Services Suspended For 5 Days, Section 144 In 2 Districts Amid 'Tense Communal Situation'

A vehicle was set ablaze by 3-4 men at Phougakchao Ikhang prompting the Manipur govt to announce a ban on mobile data for 5 days while section 144 was imposed in two districts for the next two months.

New Delhi: Mobile data services were on Saturday suspended for five days across Manipur, as per an order issued by Special Secretary (Home) H Gyan Prakash. The decision was taken after the Superintendent of Police of the Bishnupur district reported that a vehicle was set ablaze by 3-4 men at Phougakchao Ikhang on Saturday evening.

As per the order, some anti-social elements are using social media to transmit hate speeches inciting the passions of the public, news agency PTI reported.

The incident at Phougakchao Ikhang has created communal tension, the order informed. According to news agency ANI, Section 144 CrPC has been imposed in the Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts for the next two months in view of the incident.

Imminent Danger Of Loss Of Life And/Or Damage To Property: Manipur Govt

"An incident occurred today i.e. on 06-08-2022 at 3:35 P.M. at Phougakchao Ikhai Awang Leikai along Tiddim Road NH-02 wherein one Eco-Van was reportedly found burning set ablaze by 3/4 youths suspected to be of a community. The crime has created tense communal situation and volatile law and order situation in the State," the Manipur government's home department stated.

It further stated that "some anti-social elements are using social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public. The social media has also become a handy tool for rumour mongers and is being used to incite general public which might have serious repercussions for the law and order situation in the State."

The government cited an "imminent danger of loss of life and/or damage to public/private property, and widespread disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony" as it announced the decision to ban mobile internet services for five days.

Tensions Brewing Amid Economic Blockade By ATSUM

This comes as tension was brewing in the state after All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) imposed an indefinite economic blockade along the national highways of the landlocked state on Friday morning.

The student body has been demanding that the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Bill 2021 be tabled in the Assembly.

As the indefinite economic blockade was launched, a valley-based organisation Meitei Leepun locked the Imphal office of ATSUM on Friday afternoon claiming that the blockade targets the valley area of the state.

The ATSUM was demanding the tabling of the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council (Amendment) Bill 2021 in the Monsoon session of the assembly seeking greater financial and administrative autonomy of the hill region to ensure development at par with the valley areas of the state.

However, the N Biren Singh-led BJP government introduced the Manipur (hill areas) district council 6th and 7th amendment bills on Tuesday, which the protesters said was not in line with their demands.

As per PTI, ATSUM began a total shutdown in the tribal-dominated hill of Kangpokpi and Senapati on Tuesday after the amendment bills were introduced unannounced.

(With Agency Inputs)