Restore mobile internet immediately, appeals six valley-based student bodies

In view of the inconveniences caused by the people as a result of prolonged mobile internet ban, the six valley-based student organisations of Manipur have appealed the state government to immediately restore mobile internet in the State.

In a statement issued on Monday, the All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU), Manipuri Students Federation (MSF), Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), Kangleipak Students' Association (KSA), Students' Union of Kangleipak (SUK) and Apunba Ireipakki Maheirol Singpanglup (AIMS) have claimed that "there is no use of banning mobile internet in the present situation as it is not a tool to end the violence in the State."

"Banning mobile internet has no relation or it's not an effective tool in curbing the violence or spreading the violence," the student bodies said.

Observing the losses caused by internet ban in commercial activities and hindrances it has caused to the student community, the student bodies appealed to the state government to immediately lift mobile internet ban.

Since broadband services are available despite ban on mobile internet, well-to-do families have easy access to the internet from their house. Providing broadband services and whitelisting of selected numbers, thereby providing them mobile internet, showed an unequal treatment meted out to different citizens and it is also violation of rights, the statement added.

The six student bodies also said that inspite of prolonged internet ban, a solution could not be brought to the ongoing crisis, while questioning the state government as to how long the internet would be banned to bring an end to the violence.