The Manipur government on Tuesday extended the internet ban extended across the state till June 25.
Earlier in the day, the Manipur High Court directed the state government to provide limited internet services as the situation remained tense in the state.
Justices Ahanthem Bimol Singh and A Guneshwar Sharma issued the order while hearing PILs seeking restoration of internet services in the state on Friday. Advocates said that although it came to know on Tuesday.
Internet ban continues in the state since May 3 in the wake of violence between Kuki and MeitY following the High Court’s direction to consider granting Scheduled Tribe status to MeitY.
Supreme Court refuses urgent hearing on the petition
Earlier, the Supreme Court on Tuesday declined urgent hearing on a plea seeking Army protection for minority Kuki tribals amid caste violence in Manipur. A vacation bench of Justices Suryakant and MM Sundaresh said it was purely a matter of law and order. Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves mentioned the matter on behalf of NGO Manipur Tribal Forum.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said security agencies are on the ground and opposed the plea for urgent hearing. The apex court posted the matter for further hearing on July 3. The Manipur Tribal Forum has alleged that the central government and the Manipur chief minister have jointly launched a communal agenda aimed at “ethnic cleansing” of the Kuki tribals in the northeastern state.
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