Professionals on verge of losing jobs due to prolonged internet ban in Manipur

Imphal, May 21: The Manipur government has further extended the ongoing internet ban till May 26.The order was issued with immediate effect on May 21.

Remote working professionals in Manipur on Sunday expressed apprehension of losing their jobs due to prolonged ban on internet services.

“The ban of internet service in Manipur for over 15 days has put our jobs at risk. We are on the verge of losing our jobs,” Moirangthem Shudhakar, spokesperson of ‘All Manipur Remote Working Professionals said.

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Addressing a press conference at Manipur Press Club in Imphal, he said that the remote working professionals or other professionals who depend on the internet entirely were facing huge problems due to the prolonged internet service ban.

Few of them have also lost their employment, he claimed.

The Manipur government had banned internet services in the state following the chain of violence erupted on May 3 to prevent circulating rumours and unverified news through various social media platforms.

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“If there are fears of spreading rumours through social media that could escalate the violence, the government or the authorities with their experts may block all social media sites and public VPN by instructing all the Internet Service Providers (ISP) to do the same”, Shadhakar said.

He said that several professionals are working with different organizations and companies outside Manipur or abroad.  As the professionals were left with no means to continue their service, many have informed the situation of the state to their respective organizations or companies.

However, due to the prolonged non-working status, there were immense losses of salaries which in turn affected professionals’ daily life while meeting their expenses.

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He drew the attention of the state government to arrange an internet connected building or work place for the remote working professionals so that they can do their work while the government is working out for a social media free internet service.

Senior legal advisor of All Manipur Remote Working Professionals, Okram Gyanenchandra Singh observed that the professionals who are working through the internet are also contributing some parts of the state economy directly or indirectly.

“If we lose our jobs, then, who will provide us jobs and for our families?” he asked.

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The ban of the internet services for more than 15 days has not only affected the remote working professionals but also to many other businesses, he also said.

These may give a great impact to the employment of youths in the state where unemployment rate was already very high, he said.

All Manipur Remote Working Professionals has also submitted a memorandum to the chief secretary and commissioner (Home) on May 19 for immediate arrangement of internet connection for the professionals, he informed.

NNN

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