Net ban eased in state hit by violence, but with riders

The Manipur government on Tuesday issued an order to conditionally lift the internet ban which has been in place since May 3-the day ethnic clashes broke out in the state.

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However, only broadband internet has been allowed, with a clutch of restrictions, with mobile internet services continuing to be suspended. The state isn't prepared nor has the mechanism for effective control of cellular data services, the order by Manipur Commissioner (Home), T Ranjit Singh, reasoned.

Singh, in the order, said police are still apprehensive that mobile internet could be used to spread disinformation and false rumours through social media platforms, which could disrupt the law-and-order situation. Critics have argued that the absence of the internet actually allows atrocities to continue unchecked, and offer as evidence the viral video of women being paraded naked that emerged last week, shaming a nation, and forcing the state police to act almost two-and-half months after the incident.