A petition has been filed before the Supreme Court against internet banned in Manipur with a plea to grant an interim direction to restore internet services in Manipur, except those in which there continues to be violence and unrest.
Advocate Chongtham Victor and proprietor of MK Enterprise, James Mayengbam, approached the apex court stating that their lives and livelihood have been severely affected by the statewide Internet shutdown that was imposed on May 3 and remains in effect.
The imposition of the impugned internet shutdown was a response to reported incidents of violence during rallies organised by volunteers and youth protesting the demand for inclusion of the Meitei/Meetei community within ST category.
These clashes escalated into widespread arson, violence and killing across the state, which justified a temporary and time-bound shutdown of the internet, they stated in the petition.
They further stated that despite gradual return to normalcy, the statewide internet shutdown order issued by the state government on May 3 and 4, was mechanically extended on May 7, May 11, May 16, May 21 and May 26 effectively resulting in an indefinite shutdown of the internet.
In the petition, the two also stated that there has been a complete blockade of internet access across the state for more than 24 days, causing significant harm to the rights of them and other residents.
Not only have they experienced feelings of fear, anxiety, helplessness and frustration as a result of the shutdown, but they have also been unable to communicate with their loved ones or office colleagues, straining personal, professional and social relationships, they stated.
Additionally, they have been unable to send their children to school, access their bank accounts, receive or send payments, obtain essential supplies and medicines and more bringing their lives and livelihood to a standstill, they stated in the petition.
To prevent damage to the petitioner’s right to life, trade and commerce and speech and expression, the petitioners sought a restoration of the internet in Manipur, except those in which there continues to be unrest and violence.
