Manipur extends internet ban until June 15

The Manipur government extended its ban on internet services until June 15.

The suspension of mobile data services, including broadband, has been extended until 3pm on June 15, according to an order issued by Commissioner (Home) T Ranjit Singh on Saturday night.

The ban was imposed on May 3.

“Some anti-social elements could use social networks extensively for the transmission of images, hate speech, hate video messages that incite the passions of the public, which could have serious repercussions for the public order situation in the state” , says the order that extends the ban on internet services until June 15.

“The suspension includes mobile data services, Internet/data services, including broadband, except those specifically exempted by the government… and Internet leasing line on a case-by-case basis as permitted by the competent authority,” it said.

At least 100 people have been killed and 310 others injured in ethnic violence in Manipur that erupted a month ago.

Clashes first broke out on May 3 after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organized in the hilly districts to protest the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

The Meiteis make up around 53 percent of Manipur’s population and live mainly in the Imphal Valley.

The Naga and Kuki tribes make up another 40 percent of the population and reside in the mountainous districts.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed: ITP)