Imphal, Dec 1 The Manipur government as a precautionary measure on Sunday extended the suspension of mobile internet and data services for two more days in nine districts including the trouble-torn Jiribam district, officials said.
A senior Home Department official said that even as except for a person missing on November 25 from Kangpokpi district, no major incident was reported from any of the nine districts since November 18, the suspension of mobile internet and data services has been extended for two more days as a preventive step.
Commissioner, Home, N. Ashok Kumar, in his order, said: "In view of the prevailing law and order situation in the state, on the 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. As a preventive measure, the state government has imposed a temporary suspension of mobile internet and mobile data services," the order said.
In nine districts -- Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, Jiribam, and Pherzawl -- the suspension of mobile internet and data services would be effective till 5.15 p.m. on December 3.
After the extensive violence and attacks on the houses and bungalows of ministers, MLAs and political leaders by mobs from November 16 in valley districts, including Imphal East and Imphal West, following the recovery of bodies of missing three children and three women in Jiribam district on November 15 and 16, Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi ordered the suspension of mobile internet and data services in these districts for two days.
Since then the suspension of mobile internet and data services was extended periodically for the past 17 days.
However, after two weeks of closure, regular classes in all educational institutions, including schools and universities in six districts, resumed on November 29.
Curfew restrictions also eased in violence-affected six districts -- Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kakching and Jiribam.
However, as per the District Magistrate's orders, any gathering or rally still needs prior approval from the competent authorities.
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