Mobile internet services across Manipur have been suspended since May 3, since the ethnic clashes in the northeastern region started between two tribal communities– Meitei and Kuki.
The Manipur government on Sunday lifted the ban on mobile internet services in the violence-hit state after seven long months except in border areas of some districts.
Internet Services Was Suspended From Sept 23 In Manipur
Mobile internet providers across Manipur have stayed suspended since May 3, since the ethnic conflicts in the northeastern district began between two ancestral networks Meitei and Kuki. The ban was temporarily lifted on September 23. Still, it was reinstituted on September 26 to prevent people from using social media to send hateful images, videos, and hate speech, all of which could have serious effects on law and order.
Suspension Lifted Except In These Areas In Manipur
According to the notice, the suspension would be lifted across the state except for mobile towers catering services on a 2 km radius along adjoining areas between districts of Churachandpur and Bishnupur, Churachandpur and Kakching, Kangpokpi and Imphal West, Kangpokpi and Imphal East, Kangpokpi and Thoubal and Tengnoupal and Kakching.
Meiteis And Kukis Dominates These Areas
Meiteis or Kukis either dominate the areas in the above districts and have witnessed the majority of the violence, gunfights, arson and abductions in the past seven months. The violence in state has so far claimed 182 lives and displaced over 50,000.
The lifting of suspension came four days after the Centre and Manipur government signed a peace agreement in New Delhi with the United National Liberation Force (UNLF), the oldest militant outfit in the state.