Manipur lifts mobile Net ban in 4 district HQs

GUWAHATI: The Manipur government has lifted the ban on mobile internet in district headquarter towns of the four hill districts, which are home to Naga tribes and have not been affected by the ongoing strife, on a trial basis but extended it in the rest of the state for five more days till November 13 evening.

Mobile data services have resumed in the district headquarters of Ukhrul, Senapati, Chandel and Tamenglong.

The government stated that few mobile towers have been opened in few district headquarters, which has not been affected by the violence, on trial basis and as per direction of the high court and the "state government is considering to open and operationallze some more mobile towers in the other district headquarters on trial basis, if the law and order situation permits."

The state government said the decision to extend the ban was taken "as there is apprehension that anti-social elements might use the social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speeches and video messages inciting the passions of the public which might have serious repercussions for the law and order situation in the state."

"To thwart the designs of anti-national and anti-social elements and to maintain peace and communal harmony, 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 platforms," the ban order said.