In the wake of escalating protests over the discovery of six slain family members, allegedly victims of militant violence, the Manipur government has imposed a two-day internet shutdown across seven districts and an indefinite curfew from 4:30 PM in Imphal West and East, Bishnupur Thoubal and Kakching, Kangpokpi, and Churachandpur districts aiming to curb unrest and prevent the spread of misinformation.
The unrest began after the recovery of the bodies of six family members, who had been missing since November 7; their disappearance followed a violent clash between security forces and alleged militants, during which the latter targeted a CRPF camp and a police station sheltering displaced civilians.
Days later, their bodies were found floating in a river, sparking outrage across the state.
Protestors, led prominently by women, poured into the streets of Imphal to demand accountability and justice. Some demonstrators went so far as to attack the homes of local legislators, further exacerbating tensions, reports Medianama.
On November 17, the National People’s Party (NPP), an ally of the ruling state government, cited its failure to address the crisis.
Internet shutdowns are not a new tool in Manipur’s arsenal for handling unrest. The state, which has faced continuous ethnic violence since May 2023, has frequently restored to digital blackouts during periods of heightened tensions.
Earlier this year, the state endured a five-day shutdown in September, and it holds the grim record for the longest internet suspension in 2023, lasting from May to December. These measures, often justified as a means to prevent the spread of misinformation, have drawn criticism for their impact on relief efforts, freedom of speech, and access to vital information.
Media watchdogs and digital rights advocates have consistently questioned the efficacy of such bans. While misinformation and inflammatory content on social media are valid concerns, internet shutdowns cannot effectively address these issues and often hurt marginalised communities.
Internet shutdowns have a significant negative impact on the country’s economy.
On the contrary, critics argue that these blackouts often exacerbate tensions by cutting off critical communication channels for civilians and first responders.
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