Pressure Mounts on Manipur Government to Restore Mobile Internet Services
8th December 2024,Imphal: The continued suspension of mobile internet services in nine of Manipur’s 16 districts is drawing increasing criticism from civil society groups, with calls for the state government to lift the ban intensifying.
The Federation of Civil Societies Organisation Manipur (FOCS), an organization, on Sunday appealed to the government to restore mobile internet services, citing its detrimental impact on various sectors, including education, healthcare, and the local economy.
FOCS highlighted how the ban has disrupted daily life, particularly for students, entrepreneurs, professionals, and businesses. “Students rely heavily on the internet to access educational resources, but the suspension, along with frequent curfews and strikes, has severely hampered their studies. Placement agencies are also avoiding campus visits due to the instability,” the group stated.
The internet ban, imposed on November 16 following widespread violence in the Imphal Valley, remains in effect across districts such as Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Pherzawl, and Jiribam. While broadband services have been partially restored under strict conditions, mobile internet remains suspended.
The unrest began after the bodies of three missing women and children from Jiribam, reportedly abducted and killed by Kuki militants, were discovered. In response, protesters attacked and burned properties belonging to several legislators.
Although there have been no major incidents of violence in recent days, the government remains cautious. Officials fear that restoring mobile internet could provoke fresh unrest. Periodic extensions of the ban reflect these concerns.
FOCS has urged the government to reconsider its decision, emphasizing the urgent need for connectivity to restore normalcy and support essential services. Meanwhile, the state’s residents continue to grapple with the challenges of life in a digitally disconnected environment.