The state to supply limited internet services in some areas on Manipur HC’s directions
Manipur has been in the throes of violence since May 3, when a rally coordinated by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSI) to protest against the demand of inclusion of Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list turned violent, sparking months long ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities in the state. In light of the persistent clashes and arson of houses and property, the state has extended the ban on data services for the 10th time till June 25, with an aim to put a stop to the worsening situation.
The order issued by the state on Tuesday ordained that the suspension of internet services was extended for five more days, that is, till 3pm, June 25. While specifying the reach of the ban, the order elucidated that it contained the suspension of mobile data/internet/broadband services as well as those provided through VASTs of Bharatnet Phase II. It also added that the order was issued to clamp down the chaos spread in the public order and social stability.
Manipur Home Department Commissioner T.Ranjit Singh stated that, there is fear that some anti-social elements may be at work to disseminate transgressive images, hate speech and hate videos with the aim of adding fuel to the sentiments of an already simmering public. Therefore, it is essential to stop the spread of misinformation, sensitive content and false rumours through various social media such as WhatApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
Image Source: Hindustan Times
Meanwhile, 10 opposition parties including the Congress have come together to demand the immediate restoration of internet services in the state. The parties are accusing Prime Minister Modi of ignoring the pleas of the people by refusing to interact with them.
HC’s say on the internet suspension
The Manipur High Court has directed the state to provide limited internet services to the public in some specified regions in response to a Public Interest Litigation filed by some aggrieved citizens. The High Court Bench directed service providers like Vodafone, Jio, Idea, Airtel and BSNL to file affidavits, looking into the possibility of providing internet services while simultaneously blocking social media sites, keeping in mind the state’s concerns.
The common citizens are facing many travails, including disruptions in public safety and stability, loss of life and property, etc. Students are facing added hardships with regard to the ongoing admission procedures. In light of alleviating these concerns, the HC had directed the provision of limited internet services.
Image Source: indiatimes.com
The state had earlier filed an affidavit with the HC stating that effective social media website blockade is difficult to ensure if the internet services are restored. The service providers stated that, should a list of IP addresses be provided to be whitelisted, they can be allowed while everything else is blocked. This was also deemed possible by the government.
However, there is a threat of social media blockade turning ineffective if accessed through third-party virtual private networks (VPNs), said the government. Similar situations had arisen in Jammu and Kashmir in 2020 where the blockade of social media websites was successfully bypassed through VPNs.
Another hearing of the HC is set on June 23 to discern the matter further.
