Mobile internet ban extended till Dec 3 in nine Manipur districts

The government suspended internet services in these districts on Nov 16. Ban on broadband services was lifted on Nov 19.

Security personnel conduct patrolling in a sensitive area of Manipur | PTI Security personnel conduct patrolling in a sensitive area of Manipur | PTI

The Manipur government has extended the suspension of mobile internet services in nine districts for two more days till December 3.

The suspension was extended in Imphal West, Imphal East, Kakching, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Pherzawl and Jiribam after the government reviewed the security situation in these districts.

"The state government after reviewing the prevailing law and order situation and its correlation with the general operation of internet services has decided to continue suspension of mobile internet and mobile data services including VSATs and VPN services in the territorial jurisdiction of Imphal West, Imphal East, Kakching, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Churachandpur and Kangpokpi, Pherzawl and Jiribam of Manipur till 5.15 pm of December 3, in public interest," said an order issued by the Home department on Sunday.

The state government suspended internet services on November 16 after a fresh wave of protests erupted in these districts following the recovery of the dead bodies of three women and three children who had gone missing from a relief camp in Jiribam district.

The protesters attacked the houses of legislators and ministers and vandalised police stations, prompting the Centre to reintroduce the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in five police station limits and send 90 more companies of armed police force to the state.

On November 19, the government conditionally lifted the ban on broadband services (ILL and FTTH), considering the hardships faced by common people, healthcare facilities, educational institutions.

Manipur has been witnessing ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups since May last year, killing at least 250 people so far.

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