Imphal, June 15: The Manipur government has extended the suspension of Internet services for the ninth time until June 20, 2023, amidst sporadic incidents of violence. The decision aims to prevent the spread of rumours, videos, photos, and messages that could potentially disrupt law and order in the region.

In a notification, Manipur Home Department Commissioner, T. Ranjit Singh, said the move is a necessary measure to combat the activities of anti-national and anti-social elements, safeguard peace, communal harmony, and protect public and private property from any potential harm or loss of life.

Singh highlighted the spread of disinformation and rumours through social media platforms and electronic devices such as tablets, computers, and mobile phones. He emphasized the need to prevent the mobilization of agitators and demonstrators through bulk SMS, as these actions can lead to violent activities, including arson and vandalism.

The Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) recently urged the state government to consider restoring internet services, which have been suspended since ethnic violence erupted on May 3. The MHRC Chairperson, Justice Utpalendu Bikash Saha, and member K.K. Singh issued an order calling for a balance between state security and citizens’ right to freedom of expression. They responded to a complaint filed by Kammingthang Hangshingan, an Aizawl resident, who labelled the internet suspension in Churachandpur district as a “human rights violation”.

Amidst growing pressure from various organizations, including the opposition Congress, to restore internet services immediately, Chongtham Victor Singh, an advocate with the Manipur High Court, filed a petition in the Supreme Court. The petition argued against the repetitive and arbitrary shutdowns of the internet in Manipur, especially when the state claimed to be returning to normalcy.

This prolonged suspension has caused significant hardships for the people of Manipur. The shortage of essential goods, transportation fuel, cooking gas, life-saving drugs, and disruptions in banking and online facilities have already disrupted normal life. The extended internet shutdown, lasting for one-and-a-half months across the mountainous state, has further exacerbated the plight of the citizens.

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