MHRC slams petition speaking for only one community
Rights body hears internet plea
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 07 2023: While issuing notice to the Chief Secretary and Commissioner (Home), Government of Manipur to submit a status report on the ban on internet services while hearing a complaint, the Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) came down heavy on the complainant for favouring only a "particular community" .

The complainant, identified as Kammingthang Hangshing, based in Aizawl, Mizoram, had filed the complaint with the Commission for restoring internet services in Churachandpur district.

The complaint stated that internet service had been shut down for around "two weeks" in Churachandpur district by the Manipur Government while the same (internet service) was "not shut down" in Imphal where [violent] incident also took place.

Hearing the complaint filed through HRCNet portal on behalf of the people of Churachandpur, a bench of the Manipur Human Rights Commission comprising Justice UB Saha and Member KK Singh observed that while it understands the importance of internet services and right of the citizens, it would be proper to ask the authority as to whether internet service can be restored in the State keeping balance between the security of the State and interest of the people including students.

The Commission noted that two Manipur residents have filed a plea in the Supreme Court against the internet ban and stated it would have to wait for the decision of the Apex Court.

While serving notice to the Chief Secretary and Commissioner (Home) to submit a status report on or before the next hearing on June 15, the MHRC directed the complainant, Kammingthang Hangshing to appear in person before the Commission to submit supporting documents to substantiate his contention regarding internet not being shut down in Imphal.

"We do not know why the complainant asked for restoration of internet only for Churachandpur, not for whole Manipur State.

A true citizen/country lover will not think only for a particular area or community but for the State as well as Nation," said the Commission.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner (Home) may consider if the internet service can be restored in the State of Manipur for providing benefit to the citizen keeping the security of the State and right to freedom of expression, added the Commission and listed the matter for further hearing on June 15 .

It may be noted here that the State Government had first shut the mobile internet service in the entire State on May 3 and on May 4, all internet services including broadband were shut.

The ban has never been lifted and it has been extended to June 10 by a recent order.

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