Manipur govt partially lifts internet ban; broadband allowed, mobile net remains snapped - The Indian Express

Mobile internet services were banned on May 3 after ethnic clashes between two communities–Meitei and Kuki–flared in Manipur, which led to the death of over 140 people and displacement of thousands.

Protestors from different parties shout slogans during a protest over sexual assault against women and the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, in Guwahati, Tuesday, July 25, 2023. (PTI Photo)

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Even as reports of violence continue to emerge from the northeastern state, the Manipur government Tuesday reviewed the issue of the ban on internet and ordered the suspension of broadband services to be “lifted conditionally in a liberalised manner”. Mobile internet, however, continues to remain suspended.

In an official order, the state home department said the government considered the suffering of the common man as the internet ban had affected important offices, institutions, health facilities, people working from home etc.

Even as access to mobile internet services continue to be snapped, citizens of Manipur can access internet services through the Internet Lease Line (ILL) and Fibre To The Home (FTTH). According to the order, the broadband subscribers can access the connection only through static IP, and they cannot use wifi and hotspot services. Any existing VPN softwares or new VPNs shall be removed from the system, as per the terms and conditions of the order.

In the event of any violation, “subscribers will be liable to be punished as per provisions of relevant laws of the land in force…,” the order states. Further, the order stated that the state government has decided to keep mobile internet services suspended “as the preparedness for having effective control and regulatory mechanism for Mobile data service is not technically feasible and there are still apprehensions that the spread of disinformation and false rumours through various social media platforms… which can cause loss of life and/or damage to public/private property by indulging in arson/vandalism and other types of violent activities for which the control mechanism is still poor.”

Mobile internet services were banned on May 3 and broadband services the next day after ethnic clashes between two communities–Meitei and Kuki–flared in the state, which killed over 140 people and thousands displaced.

First published on: 25-07-2023 at 16:46 IST

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