Will net ban resolve crisis, asks INDIA Bloc
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 12 2024: Taking strong exception to the Government suspending internet and mobile data service till September 15 in the backdrop of the fresh spurt of violence, the INDIA Bloc has asked whether banning internet will resolve the protracted crisis besieging the State.

The Bloc urged the Government to lift the internet ban.

Speaking to the media at Congress Bhavan today, secretary of CPI (M), Manipur State Council Kshetrimayum Shanta said that the Government needs to understand the hardship and the inconvenience people face when internet service is suspended.

Saying that almost all works in contemporary society requires internet connection for varied purposes, he added that the Government banning internet services for five days till September 15 is inappropriate.

Accusing the Government of scheming to create division among the people by banning internet services only in the valley districts, Shanta urged the Government to lift the suspension of internet and mobile data services.

Shanta also said that the Government imposing curfew has caused immense inconvenience to the people.

Stating that the unrest in Manipur has taken a heavy toll on everyone in Manipur, the Left leader appealed to the Government to consider appraoching the relevant authority to decrease air ticket prices for Imphal-Guwahati, Imphal-Kolkata and Imphal-Silchar flights.

Shanta said that the INDIA Bloc condemns the crackdown on protesting students by police who fired tear gas shells and mock bombs and led to the injury of several students.

He also said that INDIA Bloc condemns the firing incident at the residence of Good Governance Party (GGP) president Yambem Laba at Uripok Yambem Leikai.

Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) working president Kh Devabrata, on the other hand, said that suspending internet service has affected all sections of the society from healthcare to education among others.

There are many youth who earn for their livelihood through internet, he said and added that the Government suspending internet and mobile data service is a catastrophic error and added that the Government has failed to enforce law and order in the State.

The crisis in Manipur could have been resolved in the initial days of the conflict had the Prime Minister intervened, Devabrata continued.

Former secretary of CPI, Manipur State Council L Sotinkumar and other leaders of INDIA Bloc, State unit also attended the programme.

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