Internet Shutdowns

Manipur authorities order Internet services to be suspended across the state’s five valley districts—Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching Districts—following clashes between students and local security forces during a march. Manipur, a state of 3.7 million people, has been embroiled in ethnic clashes and subsequent Internet shutdowns since May 2023.

One report notes that the Manipur government partially lifted the ban on Internet services on 14 September, allowing broadband services to reduce “hardships faced by citizens”. The restoration of broadband services, however, is subject to stringent conditions to ensure security and prevent misuse:

• Internet connections will be provided only through static IP, and subscribers are prohibited from using any other connection type.
• Subscribers are barred from creating Wi-Fi networks or hotspots from their routers or systems.
• Media Access Control (MAC) binding at the system or router level must be enforced, and social media websites and VPNs will be blocked at the local level.
• Subscribers must remove any existing VPN software from their systems and are prohibited from installing new ones.
• There will be physical monitoring to check for any violations of these conditions, and subscribers must change login IDs and passwords daily.

Internet shutdowns during protests or civil unrest impact the ability of citizens to get accurate information from government sources when they need it most. It also becomes harder for citizens to contact family members and friends in other parts of the country, or in other countries.

Mobile Internet, broadband, VPNs banned for five days in Manipur. pic.twitter.com/ZNsv3vpWsc

— Vijaita Singh (@vijaita) September 10, 2024

#BreakingNews | Revocation of suspension of Internet in #Manipur by office of Governor with immediate effect.#ManipurConflict #ManipurVoilence pic.twitter.com/4fdoKPCCER

— Mehebub🌸🤧 (@mas0898) September 16, 2024