The Manipur government on Friday suspended mobile internet services across Churachandpur district for five days with immediate effect in view of the volatile law and order situation in the district.
The latest order issued by Joint secretary (Home), Government of Manipur Mayengbam Veto Singh, as per orders by the Governor, said the move was taken following Churachandpur DC’s report dated Thursday of violence and arson in the District.
The order said that the State Government, having satisfied that the situation is likely to cause serious disturbances to the peaceful coexistence and maintenance of public order, decided to temporarily suspend/curb mobile internet/data services, internet/data services through VPN in the whole revenue jurisdiction of Churachandpur District for five days with immediate effect from 1.40 am of Friday as preventive and precautionary measure.
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It said that there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, posts and video messages inciting the passions of the public which might have serious repercussions for the law and order situation in the state of Manipur.
It further said that there is an imminent danger of loss of life and/or damage to public/private property, and wide spread disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony, as a result of inflammatory material and false rumours, which might be transmitted/circulated to the public through social media/messaging services on mobile services, SMS services and dongle services.
The order is issued under the powers conferred under Rule 2 of Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017 with the approval of the competent authority, it mentioned. It further directed all mobile service providers to ensure compliance of the order.
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