Internet ban cripples daily life, valley economy
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 09 2025:
The internet shutdown imposed by the state government in response to massive public protests following the arrest of Arambai Tenggol fighting commander Asem Kanan and other members has severely disrupted daily life and dealt a blow to the already struggling economy of the state.
The shutdown, enforced in the five valley districts through an official order issued on June 7, has brought all online services to a standstill.
Essential digital services including mobile recharges, electricity top-ups, online freelancing jobs, remote office work, digital marketing, and stock trading have been significantly affected.
Long queues could be seen outside the Manipur State Power Distribution Company Limited (MSPDCL) prepaid electric recharge counter at Keishampat as consumers struggle to access basic services usually available online.
Residents expressed deep frustration over the disruption, especially as the state is just beginning to recover from the recent floods.
One Kangjam Santosh, a consumer waiting in line for hours at the MSPDCL recharge counter, said that the situation has compounded the public's woes.
"We've already suffered from the floods.
Now that the water has receded, the internet ban is giving us more hardship.
I've wasted half my day just trying to recharge my electric meter," he said.
Tongbram Thoiba, a freelance translator, expressed concern over missed deadlines and the potential loss of income.
"I do remote translation and transcription jobs online.
With the internet gone, I might not be able to submit my work on time.
I'm losing money from the current project and also potential future work, as I am expecting a communication soon and I can't even check my emails," he said, while waiting to recharge his electricity meter.
Soraisam Amuthoi, an online stock trader, voiced similar concerns.
He had recently made stock purchases with hopes of making a profit but is now unable to track or manage his portfolio.
"Without internet access, I'm completely in the dark.
If the market shifts and I can't react, I could suffer huge losses.
This is not the first time either.
I had to travel to Guwahati and stay in a hotel last year just to monitor my trades during the internet shutdown in the initial days of the crisis back in 2023," he said.
Many of those in queue criticised the administration for imposing blanket shutdowns without addressing the underlying issues fuelling the public unrest.
They questioned the effectiveness of internet bans as a measure of control and said that the move only worsens the problems faced by ordinary people who depend on the internet for work, services, and daily needs.
"The government must realise that shutting down the internet is not a solution to public anger or protest.
It only punishes the common people and cripples economic activity," said a disgruntled resident.
The shutdown has come at a time when the state is still grappling with the aftermath of natural calamities, with many sectors depending heavily on internet connectivity to resume normal functioning.
As the situation drags on, calls for lifting the ban and addressing the root causes of the unrest have grown louder.
Comment
