Internet Services Suspended in Manipur Again Amidst Drone Attacks and Protests
State Government Takes Measures to Curb Spread of Violence Online as Protesters Demand Action Against Security Officials
After a few months of peace in Manipur, violence has erupted again, due to which the state government has decided to suspend internet services for five days. Drone attacks are also been used during the violence in Manipur in the past few days, in which many people have been injured. Amid the fierce agitation of the students, the N Biren Singh government has suspended internet services for five days across the state.
A notification from the state home department said that this step has been taken to prevent the spread of pictures, hate speeches and violent videos on social media.
According to a PTI report, the state government notification said, "Internet and mobile data services including leased line, VSAT, broadband and VPN services are ordered to be temporarily suspended/stopped for five days from 3 pm on September 10 to 3 pm on September 15 in the territorial jurisdiction of the state of Manipur."
Officials said that on Tuesday, security forces fired tear gas shells as students and women protesters clashed with them. The protesters tried to march towards the Raj Bhavan demanding the removal of the Director General of Police (DGP) and the security advisor of the Manipur government.
Remains of sophisticated rockets have been recovered after recent drone and high-tech missile attacks in Manipur. A senior police officer gave this information on Tuesday.
Manipur Police rejected the claim made by retired Director General of Assam Rifles Lieutenant General PC Nair in a recent media interview that no drones or rockets were used in the attacks (in the state). Nair had also referred to the Manipur police as 'Meitei police', indicating its alleged partisan role in the ethnic conflict.
Speaking to reporters, Inspector General of Police (Administration) K. Jayant Singh said, "This statement is immature and seems to be his personal opinion and not that of the force (Assam Rifles). We strongly reject it. There is evidence of drone and high-tech missile attacks. Drones have been recovered."