Internet shutdown affecting students: Saratchandra
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 25 2023: Internet shutdown enforced by the government to curb circulation of fake information on social media following the communal vio-lence since May 3 has severely affected careers of students, said EK Higher Secondary School secretary Pangeijam Saratchandra.

Addressing a press meet at the school's Sangakpham premises on Thursday, Saratchandra said that sev-eral students of the school secured positions in both arts and science stream in the Higher Secondary Exam-ination 2023 and thanked the teaching staff of the school for their dedicated service for the students.

It has been 22 days since the government shut down internet and as a result, peo-ple in different domains are unable to access to import-ant services related with education, health, banking, business and professional services.

Most importantly, students are on the verge of missing deadlines for differ-ent educational opportunities including Common Univer-sity Entrance Test, which is scheduled for May 29, and NEET held on May 7 but de-ferred for the state's candi-dates.

However, considering the situation, it is not sure if NEET for the state would be held or not and in case the authority annuls NEET for the state this year, it would be a great loss for medical aspirants, he said.

On the other hand, Civil Services Examination prelims conducted by Union Public Services Commission will be held on May 28.Students rely heavily on Internet to prepare for such competi-tive examinations as well as other services.

However, the situation in the state has been depriving Manipuri students of all opportunities, espe-cially the students to access to such services.

Expressing concern over the situation, he appealed to the government to lift the internet shutdown and ban only the social media websites and application to prevent circulation of fake information.

On the other hand, he said, people of the state hoped for strict measures from the central government to control the situation and re-store peace.

Unfortunately, the central government is not doing much to curb the violence.

Even the Prime Minister and union home minister are busy in their other engagement while Ma-nipur is burning.

Such lack of attention from the Central government has created a sense of uncertainty among the people of the state, he said while drawing attention of the Central government to restore peace at the earliest.

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