IMPHAL: The Federation of Civil Societies Manipur (FCSM), a prominent organization based in the Imphal valley, appealed to the state government to lift the ongoing suspension of mobile internet services.
Highlighting its severe repercussions on the state's economic and social fabric, FCSM stressed that the prolonged blackout has disrupted the lives of entrepreneurs, professionals, students, and healthcare workers.
Mobile internet services have been suspended across nine violence-hit districts—Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Pherzawl, and Jiribam—since November 16, 2024. This was after violence broke out in the Imphal valley following the unrest, as protesters set the properties of legislators on fire.
The violence had broken out after the bodies of three individuals, part of a group of six missing women and children from Jiribam, were found, allegedly killed by Kuki militants.
FCSM criticized the government's logic behind the action, saying that the ban had gone too deep into daily life. Students, who depend upon the internet for education, have been the worst sufferers, with local businesses and healthcare services closely following.
Curfews and frequent strikes have discouraged placement agencies from visiting the campuses, which has further added to the students' woes.
The organization appealed to the state government to reverse its decision and noted that the ban not only downgrades the region's progress but also enhances the difficulties the citizens face in an already strained situation.
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