Naga student bodies call for immediate restoration of mobile internet services in Ukhrul, Chandel

The Raphel Katamnao Long (RKL), a student union of northern areas of Ukhrul, and the Naga Students' Union, Chandel, have called for immediate revocation of mobile internet services suspension in their respective districts.

In separate press statements issued on Thursday and Friday, the Naga student bodies expressed the difficulties faced by the people in the two districts due to the prolonged ban on mobile data services, even though the two districts are peaceful and not affected by the ongoing crisis in Manipur.

The Raphel Katamnao Long (RKL), while acknowledging the importance of maintaining law and order in the State, urged the government to explore alternative measures which are more proportionate and in line with international human rights standards to tackle the prevailing situation in maintaining law and order, but not to resort to banning internet as a blanket solution to address the security concerns.

RKL stated that the persistent disruption of essential communication services posed a grave threat to the fundamental rights and well-being of the people, and the decision to impose a ban on internet services, while ostensibly aimed at maintaining law and order, has caused undue hardships to the people.

"Internet ban for over five months has unfairly penalized residents of peaceful areas in the State. By depriving the people of this vital service for such an extended period has led to severe consequences in education, healthcare, economic aspect, access to information and violation of human rights," it said.

RKL further stated that for far too long, students in peaceful areas have been denied access to online educational resources and the ban on internet services hampers their academic progress and limits their future opportunities. Tele-medicine and online consultations are now considered essential for people and as such the absence of internet connectivity poses a significant risk to the health and well-being of the population, especially those in remote areas or districts, RKL stated, while adding that it severely hampered economic activities of small businesses and entrepreneurs who have suffered substantial economic losses due to the internet shutdown.

In today's digital age, access to information is a fundamental right. The ban on internet services has curtailed people's ability to access news, government notifications, and emergency services, jeopardizing their safety and well-being. Prolonged internet shutdowns violate fundamental human rights, including the right to freedom of expression, access to information, and the right to education. Such actions have far-reaching consequences for the democratic fabric of society, stated the student bodies.

Meanwhile, the Naga Students' Union Chandel (NSUC), while demanding immediate restoration of mobile internet in Chandel, has warned that the union would be compelled to take up actions which could deteriorate the ongoing crisis if the Government does not restore mobile internet services in the district immediately.

In a press release issued on Thursday, the students' union stated that Chandel district has always remained a peaceful zone even though some areas of Manipur have been engulfed in violence. It stated that the Union understands the imperative of the government in taking necessary measures to curb the ongoing crisis, but imposing mobile internet ban in peaceful zones like Chandel defies rationality.

People from all walks of life in general and students, competitive exam aspirants and entrepreneurs in particular have been paralyzed in many ways due to non-availability of mobile internet services in this peace loving district, it added.