In recent times, Manipur has become a battleground of communal unrest, with a bitter feud between the Meitei and Kuki communities escalating into widespread riots. In a bid to control the situation and curb the spread of misinformation that can fuel the fire of communal hatred, the Government has enforced an Internet shutdown.
While the intention to quell violence and restore peace is commendable, the far-reaching implications of this strategy on education, livelihoods interpersonal connectivity and essential services beg for closer scrutiny.
For students, the Internet is not a mere convenience; it’s an indispensable educational tool. With schools and colleges relying heavily on digital platforms for learning and assessment, the Internet ban has abruptly disrupted the educational journey of a generation. The shutdown has also created barriers to critical opportunities.
Critical academic activities, such as filling out examination applications, accessing learning materials, and checking results, have come to a standstill. Consequently, a digital divide is growing, creating an educational chasm that could have long-lasting impacts on the student community.
The Internet shutdown has disrupted services in Manipur. From small businesses trading on online platforms to freelancers working remotely, the shutdown has struck a blow to an already fragile economy grappling with the aftermath of a global pandemic. The shutdown has cut off their online trade and service delivery, leaving them stranded.
Income sources have dried up overnight, leaving individuals and families in precarious positions. As more sectors of the economy become digitally driven, the ramifications of Internet shutdowns on livelihoods cannot be ignored.