Mobile internet ban lifted in Manipur after 7 months

Nearly 7 months after mobile internet services were banned in Manipur, the government on Sunday lifted it, much to the relief the people of the state.

But some restrictions continue to exist.
The order was issued on Sunday by the Governor of Manipur, T. Ranjit Singh.
“An order in exercise of the powers conferred under Rule 2 of Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, to suspend mobile data services in the territorial jurisdiction of State of Manipur was issued on 26-09 2023 for a period of 5(five) days [confirmation on 27-09-2-023] in connection with the volatile law and order situation in the State of Manipur, and which was extended from time to time and remains in force till today”, Singh said in an order.

According to the notice, the suspension would be lifted across the state except for mobile towers catering services on a 2 km radius along adjoining areas between districts of Churachandpur and Bishnupur, Churachandpur and Kakching, Kangpokpi and Imphal West, Kangpokpi and Imphal East, Kangpokpi and Thoubal and Tengnoupal and Kakching.
The suspension of mobile towers catering to specific conflict zones is set to remain in effect until 7:45 PM on December 18, 2023.
On Friday, the Manipur High Court reiterated that the government could not continue with the ongoing mobile internet ban in the entire State, since internet services formed a part of the right to free speech of residents, under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Court was hearing a PIL challenging the ongoing statewide internet ban.