The Manipur government lifted the temporary ban on broadband internet services in the five valley districts on a “conditional” basis.
However, the suspension of mobile internet services will remain in place, officials said on Friday. The five-day ban was imposed on September 10 following student protests demanding the removal of the DGP and security advisor for their alleged inability to handle attacks by militants.
A notification by Commissioner (Home) N. Ashok Kumar stated, “The state government has made a considered decision to lift the suspension in the case of broadband service (ILL and FTTH) conditionally in a liberalised manner, subject to fulfillment of terms and conditions.” It further specified, “Connection will be through static IP and the subscriber concerned shall not accept any other connection other than the allowed for the time being.”
Additionally, it said, “No wifi/hotspots shall be allowed from any of the routers,” and that blocking of social media and VPNs at the local level shall be enforced by the subscriber.
The state government, however, decided to continue the suspension of mobile internet data due to concerns about spread of disinformation and rumours through social media, which could mobilise agitators and demonstrators, potentially leading to loss of life and damage to public and private property.
The protests resulted in clashes with security forces, injuring more than 80 people, including students and police personnel.
Meanwhile, while conducting security operations, security forces recovered a 7.5-foot country-made rocket in the thickly forested Shejang area of Churachandpur district, Manipur Police said. During the operations, authorities also seized a modified M-16 rifle, a large-size country-made mortar, a medium-size country-made mortar, three medium bomb launchers, four bomb launchers, and three bombs.
