The extension aims to prevent potential disturbances in the state and address concerns over the misuse of social media for inciting tensions and spreading hate speech.
The Manipur government has announced the extension of the ban on internet services in the state for an additional five days, aiming to prevent any disturbances of peace and public order. This decision comes in the wake of ongoing ethnic clashes and violence that have plagued the Northeastern state.
According to an official release, the ban on internet services will remain in effect until 3 pm on June 30, with the objective of maintaining peace and public order within the jurisdiction of Manipur.
The government's release highlighted the persistent unrest as the reason behind the extension of the ban on mobile internet services. The Director General of Police, Manipur, reported incidents of violence, attacks, and arson, including instances of exchange of gunfire.
The release further expressed concerns over the potential misuse of social media by anti-social elements, who could exploit it for spreading inflammatory images, hate speech, and provocative videos that might escalate tensions and have serious repercussions for law and order in Manipur.
This marks the third consecutive extension of the ban on internet services in the state. Initially imposed on May 3 amid escalating ethnic violence, the ban has been continuously extended due to the prevailing circumstances.