Indian authorities extend internet ban in violence-hit state

Local government in India’s northeastern state of Manipur extended the ongoing ban on internet services till July 10, officials have said on Thursday.

The ban had been extended owing to the fears of loss of life, damage to property, and widespread disturbances to public tranquility and communal harmony, the officials said.

The northeastern state was on the edge since May 3.

This was as a result of large-scale violence that broke out in the state during a tribal protest over the inclusion of the non-tribal Meiteis community for a scheduled tribe status.

The clashes had left over 100 people dead and displaced 60,000 others so far.

In response, local authorities imposed a curfew and put a blanket ban on internet services as a precautionary measure to restrict the mobilisation of crowds in the state.

Authorities were concerned about the circulation of inflammatory material, rumors, and the mobilisation of agitators and demonstrators through various social media platforms and messaging services.