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The Manipur government's decision to suspend internet services in five key districts – Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur – underscores the fragile security situation and the perceived threat posed by the misuse of social media in exacerbating tensions. This drastic measure, implemented on June 7th, reflects the government's apprehension that inflammatory content, hate speech, and false rumors circulating on platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) could further destabilize the already volatile environment. The order, issued by Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N Ashok Kumar, explicitly cites the potential for “anti-social elements” to exploit social media to incite public passions, leading to serious repercussions for law and order. This action highlights a growing global concern about the role of social media in fueling social unrest and the difficult choices governments face in balancing freedom of expression with the need to maintain public safety and security. The suspension, encompassing internet and mobile data services, including VSAT and VPN, effectively shuts down communication channels that could potentially be used to organize and amplify protests or spread misinformation. This move is not without precedent; governments worldwide have increasingly resorted to internet shutdowns in response to perceived threats to national security or public order, particularly during periods of political instability or social unrest. However, such measures are often criticized for infringing on fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and access to information, and for potentially hindering legitimate communication and economic activity.
The immediate trigger for the internet shutdown appears to be the protests that erupted on Saturday night in Imphal East and Imphal West following the arrest of a leader of the Meitei outfit Arambai Tenggol. These protests, characterized by demonstrators blocking roads with burning tires and furniture, underscore the deep-seated grievances and tensions within the Meitei community. The public display of discontent, coupled with the circulation of a video showing BJP MP Leishemba Sanajaoba confronting security personnel, demanding to be arrested alongside another MLA, further highlights the complex and sensitive nature of the situation. The protests are not merely isolated incidents but rather symptoms of a broader crisis that has been simmering in Manipur for over a year. The ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which has claimed over 260 lives since May 2023, has created a climate of fear, distrust, and animosity. The imposition of President’s rule in February, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, underscores the severity of the political and security challenges facing the state. The government's response to the protests, including the arrest of the Arambai Tenggol leader and the subsequent internet shutdown, reflects a strategy of attempting to contain the unrest and prevent it from escalating further. However, such measures may also exacerbate the sense of alienation and marginalization among certain segments of the population, potentially fueling further unrest in the long term.
The intensified security crackdown, coinciding with the protests, provides further context to the government's actions. The police confirmed the arrest of three militants from banned groups, including the Kangleipak Communist Party (Peoples' War Group) and the United People's Party of Kangleipak (UPPK), along with the recovery of weapons, IEDs, and mortars during search operations in multiple districts. This suggests that the government is also concerned about the potential for armed groups to exploit the unrest and further destabilize the region. The presence of these groups and the availability of weapons underscore the underlying security challenges facing Manipur and the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses both the immediate security threats and the underlying causes of the conflict. The ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities are rooted in complex historical, economic, and political factors. The competition for resources, land, and political power has fueled animosity and distrust between the two communities. The government's response to the conflict has been criticized for being perceived as biased towards one community or the other, further exacerbating the tensions. A lasting resolution to the conflict will require a concerted effort to address the underlying grievances of both communities, promote reconciliation, and ensure that all citizens have equal access to opportunities and resources.
The decision to suspend internet services raises several important questions about the balance between security and freedom of expression. While the government argues that the shutdown is necessary to prevent the spread of inflammatory content and maintain public order, critics argue that it infringes on fundamental rights and could have unintended consequences. The shutdown could hinder the ability of journalists to report on the situation, making it more difficult to obtain accurate information. It could also disrupt essential services, such as healthcare and education, that increasingly rely on internet connectivity. Furthermore, the shutdown could undermine trust in the government and fuel resentment among the population. The effectiveness of internet shutdowns in preventing the spread of misinformation is also debatable. While they may temporarily disrupt communication channels, they can also drive people to use alternative, less easily monitored methods of communication. Moreover, they can create an information vacuum that is filled by rumors and speculation, potentially exacerbating the situation. A more effective approach to combating misinformation would involve promoting media literacy, supporting independent journalism, and engaging with social media platforms to address the spread of harmful content. The Manipur government's decision to suspend internet services reflects the difficult choices that governments face in managing social unrest and maintaining public order. However, it is important to consider the potential consequences of such measures and to ensure that they are proportionate, temporary, and subject to independent oversight. A lasting resolution to the conflict in Manipur will require a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying causes of the tensions, promotes reconciliation, and ensures that all citizens have equal rights and opportunities.
The broader implications of the Manipur internet shutdown extend beyond the immediate security concerns. It serves as a stark reminder of the growing trend of governments around the world resorting to internet shutdowns as a tool for controlling information and suppressing dissent. While governments often justify these measures in the name of national security or public order, they can have a chilling effect on freedom of expression, access to information, and democratic participation. The United Nations has repeatedly condemned internet shutdowns, emphasizing that they violate international human rights law. The UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression has stated that internet shutdowns should be considered a measure of last resort and should only be imposed in exceptional circumstances, subject to strict safeguards. The Manipur internet shutdown also highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the government's decision-making processes. The order suspending internet services was issued ex-parte, meaning that it was made without consulting or involving other parties. This lack of transparency raises concerns about the potential for abuse and the need for independent oversight of such measures. Civil society organizations and human rights groups have called on the Manipur government to lift the internet shutdown and to ensure that any future restrictions on internet access are consistent with international human rights standards. They have also urged the government to address the underlying causes of the conflict and to promote a peaceful and inclusive resolution. The situation in Manipur underscores the importance of protecting freedom of expression and access to information, even in times of crisis. These rights are essential for ensuring accountability, promoting transparency, and fostering a democratic society. Governments should prioritize alternative measures for addressing misinformation and maintaining public order that do not infringe on these fundamental rights.
Source: Manipur cuts internet in 5 districts: Mobile services shut; crackdown follows protest flare-up