Internet Shutdowns

Manipur authorities ordered Internet service providers to suspend “internet and mobile data services including VSATs, broadband (ILL & FTTH) and VPN services” in the Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakchina, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur districts. This shutdown follows an intensification of protests in the region.

Manipur, a state of 3.7 million people, has been embroiled in ethnic clashes and subsequent Internet shutdowns since May 2023.

In 2023, the residents of Manipur faced a seven-month shutdown. Despite aiming to curb violence, the 2023 Manipur Internet shutdown “did the opposite, cutting people’s access to essential public services and leading to unspeakable chaos.”

Internet shutdowns during protests or civil unrest impact citizens’ ability 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.

Reportedly, one of the mobile towers at Kalinagar, Jiribam, Manipur, has been torched by angry residents of Jiribam.

In this critical hour, suspending internet and mobile data services is an unjustified overreach. The indigenous Manipuris are already on edge, and this move will… pic.twitter.com/N0p0fTyrCs

— BiMoL L (@Bimol27lyz) November 17, 2024

The Government of Manipur issued a notice on 16 November ordering Internet services to be shut down in seven districts: Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakchina, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur.

[Update]

On 18 November, the government extended the suspension of mobile Internet and data services for two more days.

🔴 #BREAKING | Amid unrest, internet ban extended for two days in 7 affected districts of Manipur.#ManipurViolence #ManipurCrisis #ManipurUnrest pic.twitter.com/VzGS5kmF7G

— NDTV (@ndtv) November 18, 2024