Manipur HC Directs State Govt to Lift Mobile Internet Ban in Peaceful Districts

The Manipur High Court has directed the state government to activate mobile towers on a trial basis in all district headquarters that have not been affected by ethnic conflicts. This directive comes after the extension of the mobile internet ban in Manipur until November 8 by the state government.

A division bench of Chief Justice Siddharth Mridul and Justice Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui issued an order directing the state to “extend the services to areas” unaffected by violence. Additionally, the court mandated the state to upload all orders related to the suspension or restriction of mobile internet data services on its official website.

The next hearing to monitor compliance with this matter is scheduled for November 9.

With the exception of a few days in September, mobile internet has been banned in Manipur since May 3 when ethnic clashes erupted. This latest action was prompted by an incident where a mob attacked a camp of 1 Manipur Rifles with the intention of looting its armory, resulting in security personnel firing several warning shots.

The extension of the internet ban was driven by concerns that “anti-social elements might use social media extensively to transmit images, hate speeches, and hate video messages, inciting public sentiments with potentially serious consequences for the state’s law and order situation.”

Ethnic conflicts in Manipur have impacted ten districts. Broadband services, which were also suspended from May 4 for about two months, were partially restored in mid-July. Since the onset of ethnic clashes in May, Manipur has been plagued by recurrent episodes of violence, resulting in over 180 casualties.

These conflicts have arisen from various grievances held by both sides, with a key point of contention being the proposed granting of Scheduled Tribe status to the Meiteis, which was subsequently revoked, and efforts to displace tribals residing in protected forest areas. Meiteis constitute approximately 53 percent of Manipur’s population and predominantly reside in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, make up 40 percent and primarily inhabit the hill districts.