Manipur: Internet services suspended for five days

An order issued by Special Secretary (Home) Kh Raghumani Singh stated that some anti-social elements are using social media extensively for transmission of hate video messages inciting the passions of the public.

He said the prohibition has been imposed under Rule II of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017.

“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 entire state," the order said.

"To thwart the design and activities of anti-national and anti-social elements and to maintain peace and communal harmony and to prevent any loss of life or danger to public, private property, it has become necessary to take adequate measures to maintain law and order in public interest, by stopping the spread of disinformation and false rumours through various social media platform such as Whatsapp, Facebook etc. on mobile phone..." it said.

All mobile service providers have been directed to ensure cooperation with the order.

Manipur witnessed several incidents of mob violence and lynching, triggered allegedly by spread fake and inciting videos and messages through social media.

The order stated that if any person was found guilty of violating the order,  he or she will be liable to  legal action.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)