Mobile Internet Ban Extended in Manipur to Prevent Spread of Harmful Content

The Manipur government has extended the mobile internet ban for an additional three days, until November 8, as a preventive measure to curb the spread of harmful messages, photos, and videos by anti-social elements. The extension comes due to concerns that these elements may use social media extensively to transmit images, hate speech, and videos inciting public passion, potentially leading to law and order issues in the state.

The government has reiterated the imminent danger of loss of life, damage to public and private property, and widespread disturbances to public tranquility and communal harmony due to the circulation of inflammatory material and false rumors through social media and messaging services on mobile devices.

The mobile internet ban has been extended several times in less than two weeks, with the chief minister indicating that it would be lifted soon. The ban was originally imposed following ethnic violence in the state.