Over 200 days of internet darkness: Manipur grapples with long shutdowns

NT Correspondent

New Delhi: Manipur has been grappling with an internet shutdown lasting over 200 days, according to InternetShutdowns.in, an organisation monitoring such incidents in India.

Since May 3, mobile internet services in the state have either been completely halted or partially restricted due to ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities in the northeastern region.

Despite a brief resumption of internet access for three days in September, the shutdown was reinstated. Recent reports indicate an extension of the internet ban until November 23, citing concerns about potential misuse of social media for hate speech and incitement of violence.

Official information regarding the restoration of internet services remains unavailable. India has consistently ranked as the global leader in implementing internet shutdowns for five consecutive years.

Internet shutdowns, and intentional disruptions of electronic communications, are often justified by governments as measures to control the spread of misinformation during crises.

However, a report by The Wire suggests that these shutdowns may inadvertently contribute to the proliferation of misinformation.

Ironically, those most adversely affected by these disruptions are often individuals from impoverished and marginalized communities, precisely the demographic targeted by the 'Digital India' project.

Furthermore, the economic impact of internet suspensions in India is noteworthy. Business Standard reported that by June 2023, India had incurred losses of $255.2 million, surpassing the total losses of $184.3 million recorded in the entire year of 2022, according to data from the global tracker Top10VPN.