Imphal, July 09: In response to ongoing violence and escalating shootings and killings in Manipur, the Manipur High Court has issued an order partially lifting the two-month-long internet ban imposed by the state government. This decision brings relief to residents who have faced significant challenges due to the internet blackout, impeding bill payments, educational activities, and private firm operations.
Initially imposed on May 3 amid ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities, the ban aimed to control the spread of misinformation and halt the violence. However, it has proven ineffective in preventing further incidents.
The high court has directed the N Biren Singh government to restore internet access for leased lines and fiber optic connections. Additionally, the court recommends considering limited internet access for home connections on a case-by-case basis, following the safeguards proposed by an expert committee assigned to review the internet ban.
The interim order allows for the restoration of internet connectivity to “whitelisted” phone numbers, pending the next hearing on July 25. The government must evaluate the feasibility of providing internet service to these whitelisted mobile phones while ensuring the state’s security and the safety of its citizens.
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The expert committee has proposed safeguards such as capping internet speed at 10 Mbps and maintaining a whitelist of authorized mobile numbers provided by the Home Department. Service providers have assured that internet access will be restricted to these whitelisted mobile numbers, preventing unauthorized access or data leakage.
To address concerns about the potential misuse of internet access, the government has suggested that whitelisted subscribers sign undertakings, taking personal responsibility for any illegal activities conducted through their network by secondary users. Primary subscribers will be required to maintain a log of secondary users and their internet usage details.
The Manipur government has assured the high court that it will conduct trials for limited internet access and submit a progress report within 15 days, outlining the implementation of the suggested safeguards.
This development marks a significant step toward restoring internet services in Manipur while ensuring security measures are in place. The partial lifting of the internet ban will alleviate some of the challenges faced by residents, enabling them to resume crucial activities and regain access to online resources. As the situation continues to unfold, close monitoring and adherence to the proposed safeguards will be crucial to strike a balance between connectivity and security in Manipur.
