Govt to consider restoring internet services urged by MHRC

Imphal: The Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has urged the state government to consider restoring internet services in the state.

On May 3, the Manipur government suspended internet services, including broadband, after violence erupted in the state.
MHRC Chairperson Justice U Bikash Saha and Member KK Singh in an order asked the Home Commissioner of Manipur to consider restoring internet in Manipur.

The MHRC issued the order after receiving a complaint from a person, who hails from Aizawl in Mizoram, named Kammingthang Hangshingan.
The complainant alleged that the suspension of internet services in Manipur’s Churachandpur district for over a month is a “violation of human rights”.

“We believe that the Internet plays an important role in modern life, more so when the country’s young generation working from home through the Internet and students taking exams online. It may be encountered. Severe impact without internet,” the Manipur rights panel said in the order.
“There is no doubt that Article 19 (1) (a) of the Constitution of India confers certain rights on citizens, but the said right is subject to Article 19 (2) which imposes certain restrictions.
“It would be appropriate on our part to ask the authority whether internet can be restored in the state of Manipur to strike a balance between the security of the state and the interest of citizens/people including students and senior citizens.” Order added.
On the other hand, the Manipur government on June 06 extended the suspension of internet services in the state till June 10.

This extension of the suspension of internet services in Manipur comes amid fresh incidents of violence in the state.
It may be noted that the state of Manipur has been on the boil since May 3 following clashes between two communities and subsequent large-scale violence.

Around 100 people have lost their lives and thousands have been displaced in the state following the clashes and subsequent violence.