Northeast Desk, 27th September: In a swift and concerning development, the state authority in Manipur has once again enforced a shutdown of mobile internet data services, barely three days after their recent restoration. The latest shutdown is set to last for the next five days.
According to a government order issued on Tuesday evening by the Joint Secretary (Home) of the Manipur government, the State Government decides to suspend/curb the mobile internet data services, internet/data services through VPN in the territorial jurisdiction of the state of Manipur for five days with immediate effect until 7:45 PM of October 1, 2023.
This decision comes in response to the government’s serious concern and heightened sensitivity toward the alleged spread of disinformation, false rumors, and other forms of incendiary content through various social media platforms. It is made in light of the prevailing law and order situation within the state of Manipur.
The move to suspend mobile internet data services follows widespread protests by students demanding justice for two missing Meitei students. Photographs of the missing students’ bodies surfaced on social media, further intensifying the calls for accountability. During these protests, several students, primarily girls, were reported injured.
The people’s protests for justice continued into the night in the Singjamei area of Imphal West district. Security forces used tear gas shells to disperse the demonstrators, resulting in injuries to both protestors and police.
The two missing students, identified as Phijam Hemjit (20) of Takyel and Linthoingambi Hijam (17) of Tera, both from Imphal West district, had disappeared on July 6. Their pictures only emerged on social media on Monday evening.
It is worth noting that mobile internet services in Manipur had been suspended since May 3, following a period of violence in the region. They were reinstated briefly around 2 pm on September 23, following an announcement by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. However, this latest suspension raises concerns about the state’s ongoing security situation and the access to information for its residents.