Mobile net service found activated at CCpur
Source: The Sangai Express

Bishnupur, September 21 2023: While mobile internet service has been shut across Manipur since May 3, the service was found resumed for around 24 hours in Churachandpur district against Government order.

Mobile handsets having Airtel SIM cards were able to access internet in and around Phougakchao Ikhai Mamang Leikai in Bishnupur district bordering Churachandpur.

People in the areas bordering Churachandpur district started receiving a number of social media notifications at around 5 pm yesterday.

When reporters rushed to the border areas, they found all the people having Airtel connections accessing mobile internet data service on their smartphones.

The mobile data signal strength was stronger near the border and weaker away from the border/Churachandpur.

The internet data service however stopped at around 5 pm today.

It may be noted that mobile internet service has been shut across Manipur since the evening of May 3, the day violence erupted in Churachandpur and adjoining Bishnupur district area.

Notably, this is not the first time internet service has been found enabled in Churachandpur district amid the ongoing crisis.

After ATSUM's Solidarity March on May 3 turned violent in Churachandpur and spilled into Bishnupur district, the State Government had shut all internet services including mobile data in Manipur.

While the Government has been extending the ban on the internet services from time to time, it has recently allowed some selected services including leased lines and FTTH services.

Moreover, while mobile data service remains shut, the Government is in the process of whitelisting mobile numbers of selected Government officials.

Meanwhile, people in the border area between Bishnupur and Churachandpur district have accused the Government of not enforcing the internet ban uniformly.

Some have even asserted that "allowing mobile data service in Churachandpur district only is the same as giving them their own separate administration" .

The Government should enforce the ban on the internet uniformly.

If the service is allowed in Churachandpur, then it should be allowed in all other parts of the State, said a local.

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