Senapati: The All Naga Students Association, Manipur, the apex Naga student body in Manipur has stated that the internet is not merely a communication system but it is a chosen platform for research and information among many others.
In a press communique issued by the Information & Publicity Cell of ANSAM, it stated that the order of the state government suspending the internet services was promulgated on May 3, 2023 due to the ongoing violence in the state to curb the spread of rumours, videos, photos and social media comments which may further escalate the prevailing situation and deteriorate the law and order situation in the state. It has been more than 158 days since the internet was shut down in the state partially lifting the order for specific users in the state. Lifting the order only for few broadband users and government offices for administrative purposes at an exorbitant rate does not provide a solution to the necessities in times of urgency and cannot be a justification for its proportionality to the ongoing violence and prevailing situation, it termed. The delayed response and lack of sincere intervention from the central government to the prevailing situation in the state raised concerns about the propriety and effectiveness of the internet shutdown and whether it is being used as a tool to suppress information and control the narrative surrounding the events happening in Manipur, it lamented.
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Considering the adverse impacts due to the prolonged internet shutdown on economic status in the state, disruption of communication while accessing emergency services, educational limitations and research hindering access to online educational resources, impediment to health care services which play a crucial role in healthy delivery accessing medical information for the medical students, the All Naga Students Association, Manipur(ANSAM) raised deep concern in the interests of the students and Nagas who have been maintaining neutrality at this crucial juncture after serious observation to the ongoing situation in the state.
The internet is not merely a communication system but it is a chosen platform for research and information among many others, it said. Consequently, internet shutdown in the state has serious implications for the entire population which includes the peace loving Nagas who have no role in causing apprehended danger or nuisance in the ongoing violence. This, to some extent, causes widespread censorship and violation of citizens’ fundamental rights given in the constitution, it mentioned.
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Mention may be made that ANSAM has already appealed to the state government on 7th September and 29th September last pertaining to the blanket banning of the internet in the state stating various reasons to lift the suspension/curbing of mobile internet or data services ordered through VPN in the interests of the general populace.
The Association with a serious concern for the ongoing situation in the state and perturbed by the delinquency of the state government, called upon the state government to lift the order of internet shutdown within five days without any further extension and restore internet connectivity in the state. Failing to do that, ANSAM warned to take up various forms of agitation to show their strong resentment against the government.
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On the other hand, the office of the All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) reiterated its stand demanding to declare the result of the interview held in the month of September, 2021 for the appointment of 190 Posts of Assistant Professors (145+45 ST Special Drive) in Government Colleges of Manipur at the earliest.
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