Internet shutdown in Churachandpur following violence

Imphal: Following reports of violence in Churachandpur state government has ordered to suspend data internet services five days with effect from Friday.

At least 30 persons were injured and one succumbed to bullet injuries in firing by the security forces on a mob protesting the suspension of Churachandpur police head constable Siamlalpaul.

An order issued by the State Home Department on Friday said there have been reports of incidents of violence and arson in the Churachandpur 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 for the law and order situation in the state of Manipur, the order said.

There is an imminent danger of loss of life or damage to public and private property, and widespread disturbances to public tranquillity and communal harmony, as a result of inflammatory material and false rumours, which might be circulated to the public through social media, messaging services on mobile services, SMS services and dongle services, it added.

The state government decided to temporarily suspension/curbing of mobile internet/data services, internet/data services through VPN in the whole revenue jurisdiction of Churachandpur district for 5 days as a preventive and precautionary measure, the order said.

In view of the situation that was likely to cause serious disturbances to the peaceful coexistence and maintenance of public order, the Home Department issued an order of  temporary suspension of internet data services in the whole revenue jurisdiction of Churachandpur district for five) days with immediate effect from 1:40 am on Friday.

Videos of violence damaging the Churachandpur Police Station and DC office went viral on Thursday evening.

Vehicles parked inside the mini secretariat complex were torched by the mob, the SP’s office was ransacked and attempted to ransack the DC office. The security forces at the mini secretariat opened fire injuring at least 30 persons. One succumbed to injury.