Imphal: Manipur Home department has issued Show Cause notice to Airtel to give written explanation on data leakage to non-whitelisted mobile in some areas of Churachandpur and adjoining areas of Bishnupur district.
In view of prevailing volatile law and order situation in the state, Manipur government have been suspending telecom services since May 3 and have been reviewing at regular intervals for phase wise opening of the internet services.
However, suspension of mobile internet/data services and VPN services in the territorial jurisdiction of the state except those who have already been specifically whitelisted for the physical testing by the state government under Rule 2 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017 is in force as on date.
However, despite earlier repeated advice/ instructions, it has been reportedly learnt that Mobile data/Internet services provided by Airtel was available to un-Whitelisted Mobile numbers in some areas of Churachandpur and adjoining areas of Bishnupur district (specially in Phubakchao Ikhai areas) on September 20, which is a serious lapse on the part of service provider and this lapse might have led to dissemination of inflammatory and provocative clips/messages in various social media platforms leading to communal tension/hatred/ rumors at this tense situation in the state. Such lapses may aggravate the ongoing law and order crisis in the state, the Home department said in the notice.
Considering the very sensitive and volatile law and order situation currently prevailing in the state, the lapses have been viewed very seriously by the state Government, and this amounts to violation of the government orders suspending Mobile internet data / VPN services and do hereby issues Show Cause notice to the M/s Airtel to give written explanation at the earliest latest by noon of September 2
The Home department asked, under what compelling circumstances such serious lapses have occurred and such careless move had been done from the side of the service provider; who are responsible officers/officials for such act; why appropriate legal action should not be taken against the Airtel for violation of the government orders; and why action should not be taken by the state government, including total ban of the telecom services by Airtel.
In case satisfactory explanation or reply is not received within the stipulated time-line, all services provided by Airtel shall have to be shut down including internet services in the state without further notice.
Airtel shall be held responsible for any mis-happenings and liabilities arising out of such violations the Home department cautioned.
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