Internet Suspended in Manipur for 3 Days amid Violent Clashes in Kamjong

Imphal, March 16, 2020:

The Manipur Government has ordered suspension of internet services for the next three days as situation worsened following a clash between the residents of two villages - Chassad and Sampui in Kamjong district.

The State Government has issued the order to "prevent any disturbances of peace and order in the jurisdiction of Manipur with immediate effect."

The villagers of Chassad (Kuki) have come into direct clash with those of Sampui. Groups of Chassad villagers armed with lethal weapons have blocked the Sampui junction. Police personnel were also not allowed to perform their duties in the area.

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Situation remained tense on Monday morning after two vehicles on their way to Kamjong were stopped and not allowed to pass through. The State Government, in order to bring the situation under control, on Monday ordered the suspension of internet services.

In an official notification, the Home department stated, "...the situation at Chassad village of Kamjong district has worsened and deteriorated during the last couple of days in the aftermath of the incident at Chassad involving two communities."

"Whereas, the unfortunate incidents have been used by anti-social elements to vitiate the atmosphere further by using social media such as WhatsApp and Facebook, Instagram extensively for transmission of hate video messages and images to incite the public. The social media has also become handy tool for rumour mongers and is being used to incite the general public. Unless the use of internet/mobile data is curbed temporarily, there is likelihood of serious repercussions in the law and order and the possibilities of communal violence in the State," it read.

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It added, "And, whereas, to thwart the design and activities of anti-national and anti-social elements and to maintain peace and to prevent any loss of life or danger to public/private property, it has become necessary to take adequate measures to maintain law and order in public interest, by stopping the spread of disinformation and false rumours through various social media platform..."

"Now, therefore in exercise of the powers conferred under RUle 2 of Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017 having satisfied that the above situation is likely to cause serious disturbances and maintenance of public order, do hereby order suspension of all Mobile Internet/Data Services in the territorial jurisdiction of State of Manipur. All Mobile Service providers are hereby directed to ensure compliance of this order."

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