Human Rights Defenders Manipur laments subsequent internet ban
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 03 2023:
Human Rights Council and Human Rights Defenders Manipur have lamented over the disuniformity in imposing internet ban in Manipur in connection with the prevailing unrest.
Even as internet in the valley has been banned effectively since May 3, hill districts continue to enjoy internet access, said convenor of Human Rights Council Joy Chingakham while speaking to media persons during a press meet today at Nagamapal.
Either impose the ban effectively across the State or totally remove the ban, he urged.
Stating that the ban has had no impact and situation is far from getting better, he questioned what the purpose of the internet ban is.
The ban has only added woes and no positive development can be seen till date, he said.
In view of the absence of any positive side of the internet ban, it is unreasonable for the Government to keep extending the net ban, he observed.
He also decried the designation of Lamka as the address of Imphal Airport and called upon authorities concerned to look into it and make amends at the earliest.
Joy Chingakham further condemned the imposition of blockade along the Imphal Dimapur National Highway (NH-2).The blockade along the highway which is considered the lifeline of the State has added burden to the common people.
It was only yesterday that the ban was lifted after nearly two months and sadly it is still not clear whether the blockade has ended with some organisations claiming it was not upto them to lift the blockade, he said.
Considering the immeasurable damage done to students due to the closure of schools for nearly two months, Joy also urged authorities concerned to help reopen schools.
Condemning the prolonged unrest and ineffective handling of the situation, Joy said that the Central Government is only keen in employing divide and rule policy.
What makes Manipur is both the hills and valley and every move to disturb the integrity of the State is condemnable in the strongest terms, he said.
Joint secretary of Human Rights Defenders-Manipur, Kenny Khwairakpam; executive members, Satish Nongmeikapam and Naorem Dinesh also attended the press meet.