Mobile data services suspended : Initiate talks, COCOMI urges
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 07 2022: Taking serious note of the volatile situation unfolding in the State in the wake of ATSUM's economic blockade and subsequent burning of two vehicles in Bishnupur district and Churachandpur district yesterday, the State Government has suspended mobile data services in the entire State for five days or till further orders with effect from August 6 .

Special Secretary (Home) H Gyan Prakash issued an order to this effect yesterday.

The order said that some anti-social elements have been using social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public.

The social media has also become a handy tool for rumour mongers and is being used to incite the general public which might have serious repercussions on the law and order situation in the State, it mentioned.

Taking a serious note of the situation, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has urged the State Government to initiate talks with all stakeholders concerned to bring*the tense situation in Manipur over the non tabling of HAC recommended ADC Bill and the arrest of five ATSUM leaders under control.

A press release issued by COCOMI also appealed to the Meetei Leepun to not indulge in activities which may create misunderstanding among the people and misrepresent the Meeteis while working in the interest of the State.

It said that the State has been witnessing a series of untoward events since the last few days such as imposition of economic blockade in hill districts, locking of ATSUM office by Meetei Leepun, torching of vehicles, delivering hate speeches and shutting down of internet services.

Saying that the prevailing situation triggered by the arrest of ATSUM leaders might cause a serious dent to the harmony of Manipur, COCOMI appealed to the ATSUM to utilise other democratic means to press home their demand instead of imposing bandh or blockade which has a serious effect on the livelihood of the entire population.

The COCOMI also appealed to all concerned to avoid engaging in activities which may flare up communal tension and disintegrate the unity of Manipur while placing their demand.

Comment