Internet ban frustrates media fraternity
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 13 2024: With the state government imposing internet ban citing fluid law and order situation, and prevent unwanted incidents amid the ongoing crisis, working of the media persons have been severely affected, impeding their ability to report news and provide timely updates to the public.

Media persons from outside the state have been on the ground, covering the crisis by providing live reports and field coverage to their respective channels and outlets, ensuring that information reaches the outside world.

Their efforts have become even more crucial with the Kuki militants using drone bombs and rockets that can target locations from up to 5-7 kilometres away.

Local media persons are also playing a vital role, reporting directly from the scenes of incidents and delivering timely updates to the public.

However, all these efforts by the scribes have come to a complete halt due to the state government's internet ban.

The government's intention is to prevent misuse of the internet by individuals posting on social media about the crisis, which could potentially escalate the' situation.

To alleviate the difficulties faced by media professionals, there have been calls for the government to lift the mobile data ban for accredited journalists holding press cards issued by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), To expedite the process, news organisations compiled a list of media persons issued DIPR cards and submitted it, along with an undertaking, to DIPR.

The directorate has verified the list and forwarded the same to the Home Department for approval.

It has been reported that the list submitted by DIPR needs to be re approved by the Home Department before being sent back to the directorate.

Once this process is completed, DIPR will forward the list to the relevant mobile service providers, who will then restore internet service for the specified numbers.

However, despite lapse of 3-4 days since submission of the details sought, mobile internet services for the verified and submitted numbers are yet to be restored, with the reasons for delay unclear.

In the meantime, the Home Department has eased the internet ban for broadband services under certain conditions.

However, it remains questionable whether the state government's internet ban has been effective.

Although the ban is enforced in the five valley districts, internet services are still accessible in the foothills of the state.

Consequently, many residents, particularly youths, are traveling to these areas to use the internet, with images and videos of their activities being uploaded on social media.

There are concerns that this situation could lead to unwanted incidents, given the current crisis in the state.

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