Escalating tensions in Manipur; Internet services suspended for 5 days

With escalating communal tensions triggered by vehicle arson and the circulation of hate speeches and videos on social media, the government of Manipur has suspended internet services in the entire state for the next five days.

The state home department issued an order stating that internet services were curbed to prevent any disturbances to the peace and public order in the State.

The order said that the torching of vehicles by unknown miscreants has created a tense communal situation and volatile law and order situation in the State.

On top of that, some anti-social elements are extensively using social media for the transmission of images, hate speech, and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public.

Justifying the internet suspension, the home department informed that rumour mongers are using social media to incite the general public which might have serious repercussions for the law and order situation in the State.

It needs to be mentioned here that the locking down of the ATSUM office by a valley-based organisation in Imphal, the torching of vehicles in parts of the state, and the economic blockade imposed by ATSUM are threatening to escalate things further at a time when the government seems to be in no mood to budge as far as the ADC bill demand is concerned.