GUWAHATI: After an uninterrupted ban of 159 days on mobile internet services in Manipur, Chief Minister Biren Singh offered a glimmer of hope to the people of the state on Wednesday.
Addressing a reception at the Ukhrul district headquarters, the Chief Minister announced that mobile internet services are slated to be restored within the next 4-5 days.
This declaration comes on the heels of Tuesday’s decision by the state government to extend the ban till October 21.
Officials previously cited the need to quell the activities of miscreants and uphold peace, harmony, and law and order as justifications for the extension.
Meanwhile, the prolonged ban on mobile internet services has been met with escalating pressure from various quarters of the state for its revocation.
Significantly, the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) issued an ultimatum to the government on October 17.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, ANSAM demanded the immediate lifting of the internet ban, threatening various forms of protests if connectivity isn’t restored within their stipulated five-day timeframe.
“The internet serves beyond just communication, acting as a pivotal source for research and information, among other purposes. As a result, halting internet services in the state impacts its entire populace, especially the Nagas who aren’t involved in the ongoing unrest. Such restrictions, in a way, infringe upon the basic constitutional rights of citizens,” read the communique.
Previously on September 7 and 29, the association had made appeals to the state government to lift the blanket ban on internet services across the state highlighting numerous reasons.
Given the ongoing unrest, Chief Minister Singh’s assurance at Ukhrul hints at the state’s readiness to restore some normalcy, provided the law-and-order situation remains under control.
