Protest against mobile net ban grows louder
Govt offices picketed in Naga areas
Source: The Sangai Express

Ukhrul/Senapati/Chandel, October 24 2023: Angered by the prolonged mobile internet service ban in Manipur, protesters picketed Government offices in Ukhrul, Senapati and Chandel districts today.

All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) which has ealier announced the ultimatum locked several offices including the office of the Deputy Commissioner at Chandel.

ANSAM had warned the Government of stringent stir on October 17 if it fails to remove the mobile internet service ban.

Mobile internet service has been banned in Manipur with a respite of only about two days since May 3 afternoon, after ATSUM's "Solidarity March" turned violent in Churachandpur and Bishnupur border area that provoked a communal clash.

Govt offices picketed in Naga areas

On October 18 in Ukhrul, Chief Minister N Biren Singh had stated that the mobile internet service may be resumed within 4-5 days.

The CM was in Ukhrul for a Cabinet meeting in the Mini Secretariat at the district Headquarters.

In Ukhrul, the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) began picketing Government offices for two days today hampering the functioning of the district administration.

The offices were picketed demanding the Government to lift the ban on mobile internet service and declare the pending results of the interview held in September 2021 for appointment of 190 (145+45 ST Special Drive) posts of Assistant Professors for Government colleges at the earliest.

Volunteers of TKS confronted the police while attempting to storm several offices.

Police managed to open some of the offices in Ukhrul town.

Police were seen guarding most of the Government offices, but employee attendance was low and most offices wore a deserted look.

Additional security forces were deployed in Ukhrul town to maintain law and order and to keep a sharp vigil on the Government offices.

TKS members said the prolonged mobile internet ban in Manipur has violated the right of the people to have access to information.

They said the ban has curtailed people's rights to freedom of speech and expression, besides hindering and failing many businesses.

The internet ban has denied students' access to education and information, they added.

The TKS members appealed to the Government employees and the public to extend their cooperation in demanding the basic rights of the citizens.

The Government will be held responsible for any unwanted consequences arising out of provocation by Government employees during the stir, TKS members said.

Senapati District Students' Association (SDSA) volunteers at Senapati district raised the same demand to lift the mobile internet ban and to declare the results of the recruitment for appointment of 190 posts of Assistant Professors of Government colleges at the earliest.

The volunteers picketed offices of the Government and warned of intensifying agitation if the demands are not met.

Yunuo Peter, president of SDSA, said the association fully endorses ANSAM's call for picketing all Government offices in all districts inhabited by Nagas.

At Chandel, volunteers of ANSAM and other Naga student bodies locked several Government offices including the office of the Deputy Commissioner.

ANSAM general secretary Angteshang Maring led the stir.

Angteshang Maring said the Nagas and ANSAM understand the situation and pain that has been inflicted on people amid the current tension between communities.

The never ending ban on mobile internet service has affected all and violated the rights of the people.

The Government has passed the deadline given to it to lift the mobile internet service.

Instead of lifting the ban, the Government has extended the period of the ban, he said.

He further stated that the Government should also declare the pending results for the recruitment of 190 Assistant Professors at the earliest.

The picketing of offices will continue tomorrow.

If the Government fails to act, then more stringent forms of agitation will be launched, he said.