The Manipur government has recently announced the extension of the internet suspension in the state until 3 pm on July 10. This decision comes in light of the ongoing clashes between ethnic communities that have plagued the northeastern state.
The Need for Internet Suspension
The Manipur government’s decision to extend the internet suspension is driven by the aim to maintain peace and public order in the state. Home Commissioner T Ranjit Singh highlights concerns regarding the potential misuse of social media platforms by anti-social elements to disseminate inflammatory content, hate speech, and provocative videos. The authorities believe that suspending internet services is necessary to prevent such misuse and uphold law and order.
Manipur remains embroiled in violence, with clashes between various ethnic communities escalating the situation. Reports indicate that a mob recently set fire to the house of an Indian Reserve Battalion personnel in the Thoubal district. The attack occurred after the personnel prevented rioters from looting firearms from the police armoury. Additionally, firing took place in the Luangshangol or Phaileng area, resulting in injuries. Security forces were able to control the situation, but tensions remain high.
Amidst the ongoing violence, Manipur is also grappling with food shortages. The chaos in the state has exacerbated the situation, making it challenging for residents to access essential supplies. The combination of violence and limited access to resources further adds to the difficulties faced by the people of Manipur. Meanwhile, despite the challenging circumstances, schools under the Department of Education (Schools), Government of Manipur, have resumed normal classes from class I to class VIII. This decision is made with a focus on the welfare of the students. The summer vacation, which was initially extended due to the prevailing law and order situation, has been adjusted to accommodate the students’ educational needs.
India’s & Internet Shutdowns
The recent extension of internet suspension in Manipur contributes to India’s alarming record of internet shutdowns. According to a report by tech policy think tank Access Now, India accounted for 106 out of the 182 intentional internet shutdowns in 2021. Jammu and Kashmir alone witnessed 85 of these shutdowns, often lasting for extended periods due to security concerns. Internet suspensions have become a recurring trend in India, primarily due to reasons related to law and order or security concerns. These decisions are typically made by the home secretaries of states or the Union home secretary. However, reports suggest that internet shutdowns can have severe consequences beyond the violation of digital rights and freedom of expression.
India, as the world’s largest democracy and a rapidly growing digital market, faces the challenge of striking a balance between national security concerns and the protection of individual rights. The impact of internet shutdowns extends beyond the violation of digital rights and freedom of expression. These suspensions disrupt online services and communication channels, hindering economic activities, impeding business operations, and slowing down the growth of the digital economy.
The extension of internet suspension in Manipur highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the state in maintaining peace and public order. While the decision aims to prevent the misuse of social media platforms for spreading inflammatory content, it also has consequences such as exacerbating the violence and causing food shortages. Moreover, India’s record of internet shutdowns raises concerns about the balance between national security and individual rights. As the country moves forward, it is crucial to find solutions that address security concerns while safeguarding the rights and freedoms of its citizens.