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The ongoing unrest in Manipur continues to impact the lives of residents as the state government navigates the delicate balance between restoring essential services and maintaining security. In a move aimed at mitigating the economic and social ramifications of the extended internet shutdown, the Manipur government on Thursday partially lifted the ban on internet services in the valley. However, the decision comes with stringent conditions, highlighting the government's concerns about potential misuse and the ongoing security situation.
The restoration of broadband services, including Internet Leased Line (ILL) and Fiber to the Home (FTTH), aims to address the hardships faced by various sectors affected by the prolonged internet outage. The government acknowledged the shutdown's impact on offices, educational institutions, businesses, healthcare facilities, and essential online services. However, the lifting of the ban is accompanied by strict measures aimed at preventing the spread of misinformation, incitement, and further unrest.
The restored internet access is subject to a series of stringent conditions. Subscribers are required to use static IP addresses, are prohibited from creating Wi-Fi networks or hotspots, and must have Media Access Control (MAC) binding enforced at the system or router level. Social media websites and VPNs are blocked at the local level, and subscribers are barred from installing new VPN software. Furthermore, physical monitoring will be implemented to ensure compliance with the conditions, and users are required to change login IDs and passwords daily. Violators will face legal consequences, and subscribers are held accountable for any misuse of their connections.
Despite the partial easing of internet restrictions, the government continues to maintain the ban on mobile data services. This suggests that the authorities remain concerned about the potential for mobile data to be used for disseminating inflammatory content or coordinating disruptive activities. The ongoing violence in Manipur underscores the complex security challenges faced by the government, with reports of drones and missiles being used in recent attacks.
The situation highlights the tension between the need to maintain order and the essential role of communication and information access in a democratic society. The government's decision to partially lift the internet ban while retaining the ban on mobile data services indicates a cautious approach to balancing security concerns with the need to restore vital services. The coming days will be crucial in assessing the effectiveness of these measures and the potential for further unrest in the troubled state.
Source: Manipur eases internet service restrictions, keeps mobile data ban intact