Manipur ethnic violence: CM Biren restores mobile internet services; calls for border control reforms

PTC Web Desk: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday announced the restoration of mobile internet services in the state, which had been suspended since May 3 due to ethnic violence. 

Mobile internet services were suspended to curb the spread of fake news, propaganda, and hate speech during a period of ethnic violence. However, CM Biren Singh reported an improvement in the situation, leading to the decision to reinstate mobile internet services across the state starting from Saturday.

In addition to this, the Manipur Chief Minister called for the cancellation of the free movement regime that permitted residents living near the India-Myanmar border to travel 16 km into each other's territory without requiring any documentation. This proposal suggests stricter border control measures.

He emphasised the government's commitment to addressing the issue of "illegal immigrants" and highlighted the necessity of erecting a fence along the India-Myanmar border. This stance signifies the government's determination to ensure the integrity of the border and manage immigration effectively.

The restoration of mobile Internet services will likely be a welcome development for the residents of Manipur, who had been without this essential communication tool for several months. However, the proposal for stricter border controls and the cancellation of the free movement regime may spark discussions and debates regarding their potential implications on cross-border relationships and regional dynamics.

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- With inputs from agencies