Imphal, 26th June 2023: The Manipur government announced a five-day extension of the internet ban in the state. As per an official release, the ban on internet services will remain in effect until 3 pm on June 30 to ” prevent any disturbances of peace and public order in the jurisdiction of the State of Manipur.”
The decision comes amidst ongoing ethnic clashes and violence that plagued the Northeastern state.
This also marks the third consecutive extension of the ban on internet services in the state. The suspension of mobile internet services was initially imposed on May 3 amid escalating ethnic violence and has remained in force ever since.
On June 11, the government extended the ban until June 15, and subsequently, it has now been extended for five additional days, from June 20 to June 25.
According to the government release, the ban on mobile internet services has been extended due to the state’s “persistent unrest.” The announcement cited violence, attacks, arson, and even gunshot exchanges, citing a letter from the Director General of Police, Manipur.
Concerns were also expressed that anti-social groups would use social media platforms to spread inflammatory imagery, hate speech, and provocative video messages, potentially exacerbating Manipur’s law and order situation.
