Govt shuts schools, suspends mobile data service
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 26 2023:
After massive students' agitation on Tuesday in protest against the killing of two young students by suspected Kuki militants, the state government has closed all schools till September 29 .
A notification issued by Education (Schools) Department said that in view of the prevailing law and order situation, all government, aided and private schools across the state will remain closed till September 29 .
At least 34 students, including girls, were injured after hundreds of students took to the streets in Imphal on Tuesday to protest against the killing of the two young students.
Meanwhile, four days after lifting of the internet ban, the state government on Tuesday suspended mobile data services for five days till October 1 following the massive students' agitation on Tuesday.
Joint Secretary (Home) Mayengbam Veto Singh said in a notification that in view of the prevailing law and order situation in Manipur, the state government views very seriously with utmost sensitivity the reported spread of disinformation, rumours and other types of violent activities through various social media platform such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc., on electronic equipment like tablet, computer, mobile phone, etc., along with sending of bulk SMS facilitating mobilisation of mobs of agitators and demonstrators, which may cause loss of life and/ or damage to public/private property or aggravates the law and order situation in the state.
"The state government has decided to suspend/curb mobile internet data services, internet/ data services through VPN in the territorial jurisdiction of the state of Manipur for five days with immediate effect till 7.45 pm of October 1," it said.
The notification said that any person found guilty of violating the order will be liable for legal action.
On Saturday, Chief Minister N Biren had announced the lifting of internet ban in the state.
Responding to the appeal from all sections of people and various organisations, the state government, following the Manipur High Court order, had partially lifted the ban earlier.
Internet services were banned immediately after ethnic violence broke out in the state on May 3, and were periodically extended considering the prevailing law and order situation.