The internet remained functional barely for 3 days after the 143-day-long shutdown that began on May 3 before it was shut down again on September 26.
In the midst of renewed tensions in Manipur after murder of two Meitei students, the state government has decided to extend the internet suspension in the region by an additional five days, beginning immediately. This extension means the internet ban will remain in effect until October 6. This decision follows the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arresting four individuals linked to the investigation into the missing students.
The announcement of these arrests by Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has sparked protests from Kuki-Zomi organisations, who have labeled the arrests as “abductions.” The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum has called for an indefinite shutdown starting at 10 am on Monday. Additionally, Kuki-Zomi groups have threatened to escalate their protests across all hill districts of Manipur unless the arrested individuals are released.
The CBI has taken into custody two men, Paominlun Haokip and Smalsawm Haokip, along with two women, Lhingneichong Baitekuki and Tinneilhing Henthang, in connection with the cases filed on August 23. These four individuals have been transferred to Guwahati for further investigation.
The initial internet ban came into effect on September 26 in response to widespread student protests connected to the presumed killings. A notification issued by the state government on Sunday expressed concerns that certain anti-social elements might exploit social media platforms to disseminate images, hate speech, and inflammatory video messages, potentially inciting public unrest and jeopardising law and order in Manipur.
A notification issued by the state government on Sunday asserted, “There is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate 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 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 platforms such as Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc. on various electronic equipment…” it added.
Notably, just a week ago, on September 23, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh had announced the lifting of the internet ban in the state. The government had initially imposed restrictions on internet services in specific districts of the state following ethnic clashes that began on May 3. Subsequently, certain conditions were relaxed, allowing broadband services to operate with restrictions.
