Manipur Revokes Internet Ban, Services Restored With Immediate Effect In Ukhrul

Imphal: The Manipur government on Friday revoked the internet ban in Ukhrul district with immediate effect. The services had temporarily been suspended by the state home department in the district for five days following arson and communal riots. The shutdown covered mobile data, broadband, VPN and VSAT services.

Earlier this week, several houses were torched in Ukhrul amid violent clashes between Tangkhul Naga and Kuki communities. The clashes erupted after a villager from Tangkhul Naga was critically injured after allegedly being attacked by Kuki tribesmen.

Following the tension, the state government released an order to ban internet to prevent “anti-social elements” from inciting the people.

The official statement read, “In view of the volatile law and order situation in Ukhrul District, there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, posts and video messages inciting the passions of the public which might have serious repercussions on the law-and-order situation in the State of Manipur. The State Government, after reviewing the prevailing law and order situation and its possible co-relation with the general operation of internet services, decided to order for temporary suspension/curbing of internet/data services including services through Broadband, VPN and VSAT in the whole revenue jurisdiction of Ukhrul District for 5 (five) day as preventive and precautionary measure.”

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