Manipur lifts ban on broadband internet ‘conditionally in liberalised manner’
Broadband services were resumed in Manipur on Tuesday with specific conditions and an undertaking to be signed by the users, the state’s home department said in an order.
However, mobile data remains suspended throughout the state of Manipur.
The shutdown was initiated by the government in response to escalating ethnic conflict between the majority Meitei community and the minority Kuki tribe.
After over 80 days of no internet in the violence-hit state, the internet was partially restored on Tuesday.
INTERNET RESTORED IN MANIPUR
The decision came after reviewing the continuous ban on internet services since May 3, which had affected various sectors, including offices, educational institutions, health facilities, and online citizen-centric services, said the order.
The resumption of Broadband service is subject to specific terms and conditions, including connection only through static IP, no allowance for Wifi hotspots, blocking of social media websites and VPNs, and daily changing of login credentials, among others.
The government also said that any violation of these conditions would lead to punishment under relevant laws.
MOBILE DATA STILL SUSPENDED
However, mobile data services continue to remain suspended throughout the state of Manipur due to concerns about the potential spread of disinformation and false rumors through social media platforms, leading to public safety issues.
“There are still apprehensions about the spread of disinformation and false rumours, through various social media platforms such as Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc,” the order said on the suspension of mobile data.
WHY WAS INTERNET SUSPENDED IN MANIPUR?
The decision to suspend internet services was made to “thwart the design and activities of anti-national and anti-social elements” and to prevent the spread of disinformation and false rumors on social media platforms, according to the Manipur government.
The shutdown began in the districts of Churachandpur and Pherzawl on April 28, and was extended to the entire state on May 3. Since then, every five days, a new order has been passed extending the shutdown, affecting both broadband and mobile internet services.
As of July 25, the shutdown had been in effect for over 80 days. Meanwhile, the conflict in the state has resulted in over 150 deaths.
Ethnic clashes broke out in Manipur after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts on May 3 to protest the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.