Manipur blockade: Mobile data services banned in Imphal West

Taking serious note of rumour mongering and spreading of false propaganda through social media sites like Whatsapp, Facebook and SMS services etc, the District Magistrate of Imphal West District has in view of the prevailing tension in Manipur issued an order directing that mobile data service must be discontinued immediately.

"In view of the recent tension prevailing in the state of Manipur, including the area falling under Imphal west district, it is feared that spreading of rumors through mobile data by using social media like facebook, whatsaap, hike, messenger and viber etc. In this regard, stoppage of mobile data service is required in order to diffuse the state situation," an order from District Magistrate Robert Singh Kshetrimayum's office said.

The order dated December 17 said the telecom operators must immediately discontinue mobile data services till further notice to maintain law and order situation and defuse the tense situation in the area.

The blockade was announced by United Naga Council (UNC) after the Manipur Government decided to upgrade Sadar Hills and Jiribam areas to full-fledged districts.

Following the decision on November 1, the UNC militants blocked Imphal-Dimapur and Imphal-Jiribam highways indefinitely.

On December 12, the Home Ministry had issued a statement and warned that no one would be allowed to take the law in their hands.