Imphal: Mobile internet services remain suspended across Manipur and prohibitory orders were imposed in some areas in the wake of an indefinite economic blockade on two national highways called by a students’ body over more autonomy for the hill districts.
Vehicular movement and supplies from Assam have been hit due to the blockade on the Imphal-Dimapur highway (NH-2) and Imphal-Jiribam highway (NH-39) imposed by the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM).
An order issued by Special Secretary (Home) H. Gyan Prakash late on August 6 said mobile internet services were suspended for five days, as some “anti-social elements were using social media to transmit hate speeches.”
As per reports, India recorded the world’s highest no. of internet shutdowns for the 4th year in a row in 2021. Border-states, including Manipur most recently, have been particularly susceptible. Such moves have no place in a democratic society – @AshwiniVaishnaw @internetfreedom https://t.co/dWSRiJSEZM
— Pradyut Bordoloi (@pradyutbordoloi) August 7, 2022
Nagaon Lok Sabha MP Pradyut Bordoloi has tweeted against the internet shutdown, noting that border states like Manipur are most susceptible.
The decision was taken after a vehicle was set ablaze by miscreants at Phougakchao Ikhang in Bishnupur district on Saturday evening, it said.
The incident has led to communal tension, the order added.
Hours later, another vehicle was also torched at Torbung-Bangla in the district by masked men, PTI reported.
Meanwhile, the district magistrates of Bishnupur and Churachandpur have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC for a period of two months since Saturday evening.
The government of Manipur has ordered an #internetshutdown in the entire state for five days. We will file RTI applications with the state to check compliance with the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s guidelines in Anuradha Bhasin and work to protect the digital rights of residents. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/uOIRIcd78r
— Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) (@internetfreedom) August 7, 2022
The Internet Freedom Foundation has tweeted that it will file Right to Information requests to check compliance of the shutdown with Supreme Court directions. The organization, which watches access to the right to internet across the country, has also urged the Review Committee of the Manipur government to meet and review the internet suspension and record its findings. “We also urge Secretary, Home of Manipur, to continuously monitor whether prolonged internet suspension for 5 days is necessary,” it further tweeted.
The ATSUM has been pressing for the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council (Amendment) Bill 2021 to be tabled in the Monsoon Session of the assembly. The Bill would mean greater financial and administrative autonomy of the hill region, with the stated goal of ensuring development at par with the valley areas of the state.
Instead, the N. Biren Singh-led Bharatiya Janata Party government of the state introduced the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council 6th and 7th Amendment Bills earlier in the week, which the protesters said was not in line with their demands.
The ATSUM was observing a total shutdown in the tribal-dominated Kangpokpi and Senapati since Tuesday, after the new amendments were introduced unannounced.
Schools, colleges, shops and business establishments were closed because of the shutdown, while passenger buses stayed off the roads. The strike ended on the morning of Friday, August 5, following which the “economic blockade” began, affecting supplies to the Meitei-dominated Imphal valley region.
Police have arrested five student leaders of ATSUM, charging them with “conspiracy” over their role in organizing the protests.
College and University tribals students protesting with a slogan to release the Arrested Tribals leaders. #ATSUM #MANIPUR pic.twitter.com/GM4b98bqF7
— Pagin Haokip (@paaginhaokip) August 4, 2022
(With PTI inputs)
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