Net ban, school/college closure extended; curfew eased
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 20 2024: The state government has extended for three more days the suspension of mobile internet and data services, including VSATs and VPNs, across several districts.

The suspension effective since November 18 will cover Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur districts.

However, exemptions were granted for government offices and specific cases approved by the government.

After a detailed review of the situation, authorities have decided to extend the internet suspension for an additional three days, effective from 5:15 PM on November 20, specified an order issued by home commissioner N Ashok Kumar, adding that the prohibition enforced under Rule 2 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, aims to maintain public safety and order.

The order cautioned that violations of the directive will attract strict legal action.

Meanwhile, orders issued by Directorate of Education (Schools) and Higher & Technical Education Department declared that all educational institutions in curfew-bound districts will remain closed till November 23, citing safety of students.

After the widespread violence and attacks by mobs started in valley districts including Imphal East and Imphal West on November 16 following the recovery of six bodies of missing three children and three women in Jiribam district on November 15 and 16, chief secretary Vineet Joshi on November 16 ordered the suspension of mobile internet and data services in these seven districts for two days.

Meanwhile, with no major incident reported from any of the districts, the Home Department on Tuesday conditionally lifted the suspension on broadband services (fixed line) considering the hardships faced by students, employees, common people, healthcare facilities, educational institutions and other offices.

Officials said that with no major incident reported from any of the four districts, curfew shall be relaxed in Imphal East on Thursday from 5 am till 12 noon, whereas in Imphal West, Thoubal, and Kakching districts the relaxation will be from 5 am to 10 am to facilitate the people purchase essential items and perform important work.

District Magistrates of four districts issued separate notifications relaxing the curfew, which was imposed for an indefinite period on November 16 after the widespread violence started in the Valley districts after the recovery of the bodies of children and women in Jiribam on November 15 and 16 .

Comment