Imphal: The Manipur govt on Friday extended the suspension of mobile internet services in five valley districts for two more days, citing apprehensions over the spread of disinformation and false rumours through various social media platforms, as well as the sending of bulk SMSes for mobilising mobs of agitators and demonstrators.The govt had on Tuesday ordered the temporary suspension or curbing of internet and mobile data services in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching and Bishnupur districts for three days, following widespread protests and violent outrage against the killing of two children in a bomb attack at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district.The suspension of Broadband internet services was lifted on Wednesday in a conditional manner.An order issued by the state’s home department on Friday said the state govt reviewed the prevailing situation and deemed it necessary to continue the suspension of mobile internet services, including VPN services, as the preparedness for having effective control and regulatory mechanism for mobile data service is not technically feasible.Meanwhile, people flocked to the Khwairamband Keithel Ima Market in Imphal and other markets on Friday to purchase essential commodities during the brief relaxation of restrictions in the morning.District magistrates of the five districts had imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, restricting the movement of any persons outside their respective residences. However, the restrictions were relaxed from 5am to 9am on Friday.With restrictions still firmly in place across the valley districts, the brief window provided a crucial opportunity for people to restock on food, medicines and essential supplies.Vendors, many of whom have struggled with disrupted business operations, quickly set up stalls, while buyers rushed to secure supplies.According to orders issued on Friday, the restrictions will be relaxed from 5am to 12noon on Saturday.Meanwhile, tension continues to mount in Manipur’s valley districts as widespread protests were staged in different localities on Friday, condemning the recent violence that claimed the lives of two children and left three civilians dead in firing by security forces.While violent protests have largely subsided, democratic protests continued with people organising sit-ins and taking out Meira rallies in the evening.
