Imphal, April 18: The Manipur government has lifted the ban on mobile internet and data services in five districts of the Imphal Valley following improvements in law and order. The ban was imposed on April 7, shortly after a deadly bomb attack in Bishnupur district that claimed the lives of two children and injured their mother. Suspected Kuki militants were believed to be behind the attack.
To maintain order, the internet ban was extended in phases across Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur districts.
A notification issued by Joint Secretary of the Home Department, Mayengbam Veto Singh, stated that the government reviewed the current situation and considered the difficulties faced by the public due to the internet shutdown.
The notification highlighted that the internet blackout had disrupted essential services, including those of the High Court and district courts, remote workers, chartered accountant firms, lawyers, healthcare services, petrol stations, electricity and mobile recharge services, LPG bookings, educational institutions, and tax departments.
In the interest of the public, the government has immediately lifted the temporary ban on mobile internet, data services, and VPN services in these five districts.
Meanwhile, following the April 7 bomb attack, many residents, especially women and members of various social organizations, have been protesting continuously, demanding strict action against the perpetrators.
The state government has assigned the investigation of this attack to the National Investigation Agency.
According to police reports, security forces are conducting ongoing search operations and area domination exercises in sensitive areas. The movement of 174 vehicles carrying essential goods has been ensured on the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway-37.
In light of security concerns, 114 check posts have been established across various districts, and 38 individuals have been detained for curfew violations.
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