Manipur High Court asked the state government to provide limited internet services to the public in designated places under the control of the state authorities.
The HC issued an interim order in this regard on Monday acting on petitions filed by several individuals aggrieved by the restriction on the use of mobile and broadband internet since May 3, due to the ongoing violence.
"Taking into consideration the hardship faced by the public especially with regard to the ongoing admission process of the students in the state and to enable the public for carrying out their urgent and essential services, the state authorities are directed to provide limited internet service to the public in some designated places under the control of the state authorities," the HC order said.
The High Court also asked the telecom operators to file a short affidavit explaining as to whether there is any feasibility for
providing limited internet services to the public by blocking social media websites and by safeguarding the concern of the state government to maintain law and order in the state.
The HC will again hear the petitions on June 23.
The BJP government in the state banned the use of mobile and broadband internet on May 3 after violence broke out between sections of the Meitei and Kuki communities and gripped many parts of the state. The restriction was subsequently extended as the violence has still continued. The state home department fears that miscreants might use the social media platforms in order to spread rumours and misinformation and incite the communities.
At least 115 people have been killed while another 60,000 others have been displaced due to the violence.
Many services in the state have remained paralysed due to the ban on mobile and broadband internet and the Opposition parties have demanded restoration of the services.
Published 20 June 2023, 07:30 IST