Ban on mobile data services extended
Manipur had longest spell of blackout in 2023
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 20 2024: Even as the State Government has relaxed curfew hours on Thursday (November 21) from 5 am to 10 am in Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Kakching and Thoubal, the suspension of mobile internet and mobile data services including VSATs and VPN services has been extended for another three days till November 23 (5.15 pm) in seven districts where the restriction is in place since November 16 .

The districts where the suspension of data services has been extended are Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Churachandpur and Kangpokpi.

Notably, India shut down the internet for over 7,000 hours last year, with the longest blackout taking place from May to December 2023 amidst ethnic clashes and violence in Manipur, as per a report published by The Hindu on January 10 .

Ban on mobile data services extended

The Internet Freedom Foundation had called this internet shutdown in Manipur illegal and a violation of basic human rights.

Meanwhile, a five-hour relaxation of curfew in Imphal today (Wednesday) saw people thronging market places to buy essentials.

Long queues were also seen at different offices and outlets of data and broadband services providers viz Jio, Airtel etc at Mantripukhri, Khuyathong and Keishampat among other places to submit undertakings for restoration internet connections.

Speaking to this reporter, a consumer of Jio Fibre who came to submit his undertaking at Mantripukhri said that access to the internet is vital for everyone in the modern day for communication, digital transaction and education and suspending the internet services only causes hardship to the already suffering peple.

He continued that there is a cash crunch in ATMs whenever the Government suspends internet services.

Asking how the Government expects people to run families with no money in hand, he urged the Government to restore internet services at the earliest.

Another consumer said that access to the internet is also vital for work as holding video conferences, accessing applications and collaborating with team members require internet connection.

He further said that shutting down the internet disrupts health care and education too apart from causing economic losses.

Many people rely on digital payment as it is more convenient and easier to keep a record of transactions, he said and added that suspending the internet affects the State's economy as almost all businesses slow down during internet shutdown.

The Hindu reports

Meanwhile, reports from the State's capital Imphal said markets teemed with people who came out to buy essential items while there were long queues at some petrol pumps which reopened.

Dwindling stocks of fuel and essential commodities, primarily because of blockades and attacks on goods trucks, was a factor behind the rush.

Imphal Valley, in the central part of the State, and Jiribam on the border with southern Assam's Cachar district, were relatively quiet from Tuesday (November 19, 2024) afternoon to Wednesday (November 20, 2024) morning.

Officials said efforts were on to rein in troublemakers with more paramilitary personnel coming in for security duty.