Manipur Government Lifts Ban On Broadband Internet

Imphal, Manipur: The administration of Manipur on Tuesday only partly relaxed the state’s prohibition on mobile internet service and conditionally permitted broadband access.

The state government announced that the internet ban was being partially removed in an order dated 25th July in response to issues that people were having with it, including how it had an impact on businesses, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, petrol booking services, and other online-based citizen-centric services.

The internet ban was initially imposed in Manipur in response to security concerns and the prevailing law and order situation. It aimed to curb the spread of misinformation and prevent the misuse of social media platforms for inciting violence and unrest.

Over time, however, the blanket ban has drawn criticism from various quarters, including civil rights groups and business communities, who cited its adverse impact on education, commerce, and communication.

Additionally, the home department set restrictions on the use of VPNs and social media websites locally before removing theban on broadband service.

The order said that connections would only be made using static IP addresses and that the affected subscriber would not be permitted to accept any other connections than those that were already permitted. It further stated that the internet service provider would be held accountable for any violations.

However, concerns remain among various sections of society, including students, businesses, and professionals, who have suffered significant setbacks due to the prolonged internet restrictions.

Educational institutions have faced challenges in conducting online classes, businesses have struggled with limited access to markets, and telemedicine services have been severely hampered.

The government expanded the ban on mobile internet services throughout the entire state, claiming that “there are still concerns about the spread of misinformation and false rumors, through various social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and others,” and that “preparedness for having effective control and regulatory mechanism for mobile data service is not technically feasible.”

As Manipur cautiously steps towards restoring internet connectivity, the eyes of the nation are on the state, with stakeholders keenly observing the impact of the eased restrictions and the government’s ability to strike a balance between security concerns and individual liberties.

 

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