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<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en" class="no-scrollbar">
<head>
<meta charset="utf-8">
<meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge">
<title>Manipur | #KeepUsOnline</title>
<meta name="description" content="Manipur - 100 Days since Internet shutdown">
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</head>
<body class="no-scrollbar">
<!-- Hero section -->
<div
class="snap-section h-full w-full bg-opacity-50 bg-local bg-cover bg-no-repeat min-w-screen min-h-[832px] bg-black flex items-center justify-center relative"
style="background-image: url('./public/images/hero_image_static.jpeg'); padding-top: 2rem; padding-bottom: 20rem;">
<div class="w-full h-full min-w-screen min-h-[832px] top-0 left-0 right-0 absolute z-[99] bg-black/80">
</div>
<div class="w-4/5 flex justify-center z-[100]"
style="border-bottom: 1.5px solid #FF103B; padding-bottom: 15px; width: 90%; min-width: 384px;">
<div class="flex flex-col justify-center items-start mb-[auto] space-y-8 z-[100]">
<div class="inline-flex justify-center space-x-12">
<img src="./public/images/manipurmap_hero.svg" alt="manipur map">
<img src="./public/images/IFF_logo.svg" alt="IFF logo">
</div>
<div
class="inline-block place-items-start min-w-[384px] w-[384px] lg:w-[586px] sm:w-[384px] md:w-[450px] xl:w-[650px] max-w-2xl">
<p class="text-start text-[44px] uppercase text-[#F2F2F2] -mt-14 mb-[auto] whitespace-pre-line">
If you're reading this right now, it's because you're not one of the 2.7 million people of
Manipur, many of whom have been without access to the internet for 100 days.
</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<!-- section 2 -->
<div class="paper-up"></div>
<div class="snap-section paper-bg">
<div class="h-full w-full flex flex-col justify-between items-center gap-2 lg:gap-4 sm:gap-2 mb-[auto]">
<!-- Top bg paper -->
<!-- <div></div>-->
<div class="w-full h-full flex justify-center" style="align-items: center;">
<div class="container">
<p class="text-[#0C0C0C] text-justify lg:text-inherit sm:text-justify p-1 normal-text">
The shutdown began on April 27, 2023, with the Manipur State Government suspending mobile data services in
the
districts
of Churachandpur and Pherzawl amid protests and incidents of violence. On May 3, 2023, as the violence both
spread and
intensified, the State Government issued a shutdown order suspending mobile data services for the entire
territorial
jurisdiction of Manipur for five days. The following day, it issued an order barring all internet services
in
the state,
including broadband connectivity and VSAT, for five days. Until July 25, 2023, successive orders have been
issued to extend the shutdown, in what is the fourth longest internet shutdown in Indian history.
</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="w-full h-full min-h-screen flex justify-center" style="align-items: center;">
<iframe width="859" height="483" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/79-qsVTXgkM"
title="Lives on hold during 100 days of Manipur’s internet shutdown | NL Cheatsheet" frameborder="0"
allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share"
allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div>
</div>
<!-- Section 3 -->
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<div
class="inline-flex justify-self-start space-y-4 lg:space-y-6 sm:space-y-4 space-x-[auto] container red-top-border pt-4 lg:mt-4 sm:mt-2 text-justify">
<p class="heading-text pb-2">Wait, isn't the
shutdown
being lifted?</p>
</div>
<div class="container">
<p class="normal-text">
On July 25, 2023, considering “the suffering of the Common” and complying with the directions of the Manipur
High Court, the Government of Manipur issued an order lifting its suspension of broadband services in a
“liberalised” manner, provided that users meet a list of conditions. The order—made available only via news
outlets and not uploaded on any government website—stated that mobile internet services would continue to be
suspended amidst apprehensions of the spread of disinformation and false rumours. The order merely mandated
the further suspension of mobile data services and internet/data services, without providing any particular
endpoint for this suspension.
</p>
<p class="normal-text">
After July 25, no new internet suspension orders seem to be available in the public domain. But there
continues to be no access to mobile internet services in Manipur. It is critical to note that if no new orders
have been issued after July 25 and if mobile internet continues to be suspended on the basis of the order
issued on July 25—the ongoing internet clampdown in Manipur is illegal and unlawful; violating the Temporary
Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017 and the Supreme Court's
ruling in <i>Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India</i>, which declared indefinite internet shutdowns illegal and
imposed
an obligation on authorities to publish suspension orders.
</p>
<p class="normal-text">
Despite its claims of lifting the suspension of broadband internet in a “liberalised” manner, the order sets
out conditions that users must fulfil before they can access the internet—ranging from expensive (paying to
set up static IP connection) to restrictive (social media platforms and VPNs remain banned) to highly invasive
(agreeing to physical monitoring by state officials and MAC binding of devices). These measures are ultimately
unlikely to <a href="https://twitter.com/CloudflareRadar/status/1686119806368358400?s=20">ameliorate</a>
internet access conditions in the state.
</p>
<p class="normal-text">
In a country like India, where the Internet is overwhelmingly accessed through mobile devices and broadband
Internet is accessible only to the affluent, the continued suspension of mobile data services may essentially
result in complete Internet shutdown for the majority of the population. According to data from the <a
href="https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/QPIR_31052023_0.pdf">Telecom Regulatory Authority of
India</a>, 96.13% of internet connections are mobile internet connections, compared to 3.74% of wired
connections.
</p>
</div>
<div class="container pt-2">
<img src="./public/images/percent_desktop.png" alt="percent desktop">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="paper-down"></div>
<!-- Section 4 -->
<div class="snap-section h-full w-full flex flex-col justify-center items-center brown-bg min-h-screen"
style="padding-top: 20rem; padding-bottom: 10rem;">
<div class="container brown-bg white-top-border pt-4">
<p class="heading-text pb-2">Cut, Copy, Paste
And
Publish</p>
<p class="normal-text text-white">
In India, governments cannot shutdown the internet indefinitely, nor can they do so in secrecy. In 2020, the
Supreme Court, in <i>Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India,</i> ruled that an indefinite internet shutdown is illegal
and
directed that internet shutdown orders must be made publicly available. IFF filed RTI applications with the <a
href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i0PF1-6l1J2YvZXhI-qVWCdoP1WO57My/view">Manipur Home Department</a> and
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/15kT-Yrs_Qexpy-DRmYX75sVlaKSZlQ1P/view">Manipur Legal Affairs
Department</a> on July 27, 2023, requesting information and documents pertaining to the internet shutdowns and
findings of the Review Committee on the legality of shutdowns imposed. We have received no response from the
authorities yet, despite the 30-day timeline to respond to RTI applications. Moreover, in June 2023, we filed an
RTI application with the <a
href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tRu7Misl_fxhFT9OnATljDW4Su-WVyas/view">Manipur Home Department</a> to
review the state's compliance with the directions issued by the Supreme Court in <i>Anuradha Bhasin v.
Union of India</i>. Since no
reply was forthcoming from the concerned authorities, we filed a first appeal, for which we are still awaiting a
response.
</p>
<p class="normal-text text-white">
Until July 25, while no orders had been issued for an indefinite shutdown, it had nonetheless acquired an
indefinite character. By extending the shutdown every five days through templatised orders, the State Government
had effectively imposed an indefinite internet shutdown that had no clear end in sight. The orders also provide
no indication of when the shutdown could be lifted and use a template formula and copy-paste language with
minimal application of mind, a flagrant violation of the directions issued under <i>Anuradha Bhasin</i>.
</p>
<p class="normal-text text-white">
We have been unable to find any shutdown orders issued after July 25, 2023, either on the websites of the
Manipur State Government or through news portals and social media. Alarmingly, the July 25 order, while
partially
lifting the suspension of broadband internet services, continued the shutdown of mobile internet services
without specifying an end date. If no new orders have been issued after July 25, 2023, and yet mobile internet
continues to be shut down—the ongoing internet shutdown in Manipur is illegal.
</p>
</div>
<div class="snappy-scroll-backdrop">
<div class="snappy-scroll-container">
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<img src="./public/images/10.png" class="full-image" />
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<button id="snap-cutpaste-0-btn" class="snappy-scroll-nav-button active">
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<div class="brown-bg container">
<p class="normal-text text-white">
An internet shutdown has real and profound consequences for the people it impacts. A prolonged, seemingly
indefinite shutdown leaves a devastating, long-term effects on communities, economies, and societies. Despite
the
repercussions demanding a high degree of care and consideration, the State Government has been issuing what is
essentially the same order multiple times, with little else but the dates changed. Such ‘copy-paste’ orders
indicate a non-application of mind, as the law and the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court in <i>Anuradha
Bhasin v. Union of India</i>
require them to explain why the internet suspension is necessary, unavoidable, and the least
intrusive remedy.
</p>
<p class="normal-text text-white">
The only procedural safeguard afforded by the Telecom Suspension Rules against internet shutdowns is in the form
of a Review Committee, headed by the State's Chief Secretary, which must meet and determine the legality of
the
internet shutdown orders. Disappointingly, there is no record of Manipur's Review Committee ever meeting or
considering even one of the several subsequent internet shutdown orders that have been routinely passed by the
Home Department of the Manipur Government.
</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="paper-up"></div>
<!-- Section 5 -->
<div class="snap-section paper-bg">
<div class="h-full w-full flex flex-col justify-center items-center">
<div class="container red-top-border pt-8">
<p class="heading-text pb-8">Do Internet
Shutdowns Work?</p>
</div>
<div class="container">
<p class="normal-text">
The Government of Manipur has justified its imposition of an internet shutdown as necessary to maintain law
and order, as “anti-social and anti-national elements” use social media to spread disinformation and false
rumours or hate speech to incite violence.
</p>
<div class="my-16">
<p class="strong-text">
But do internet shutdowns work like that?
</p>
<p class="normal-text">
Research demonstrates that they may not.
</p>
</div>
<div class="brown-bg mt-8" style="padding: 2rem;">
<p class="normal-text text-white text-justify">
<a href="https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3330413"> <span class="italic font-medium">Jan
Rydzak</span></a> employs quantitative methods to examine the relationship
between internet shutdowns and collective action events in India. His findings show that shutdowns are more
strongly associated with an increase in violent collective action as opposed to nonviolent mobilisation, and
thereby, prolonged shutdowns appear to further entrench unrest instead of quelling it. In a similar vein,
rather than compelling rioters to prematurely cease operations, shutdowns are found to push collective
action towards greater violence which requires less coordination and communication.
</p>
</div>
<div class="red-bg mt-8" style="padding: 2rem;">
<p class="normal-text text-white text-justify">
<a href="https://ijoc.org/index.php/ijoc/article/view/13977"> <span class="italic font-medium">Nishant
Shah</span></a>, a Professor of Global Media at The Chinese University
of Hong Kong, makes a case against internet shutdowns as a tool to stop the spread of misinformation and
disinformation. Although a commonly cited justification, Shah argues that an internet shutdown should not be
equated with an effective information blackout, as communities are able to adapt and build offline
information ecosystems. Instead, during a shutdown, individuals lose the very tool that makes it possible
for them to verify and evaluate information— the internet.
</p>
<p class="normal-text text-white text-justify">
Shah reframes the internet shutdown as the “(dis)information blackout” an information blackout where only a
few authorised and authoritative information streams are allowed to circulate. It is a critical apparatus
that uses literal network disconnection to create “filter bubbles” of curated information that produce
singular narratives and reinforce “official” channels of information.
</p>
</div>
<div class="brown-bg mt-8" style="padding: 2rem;">
<p class="normal-text text-white text-justify">
A <a href="https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G22/341/55/PDF/G2234155.pdf?OpenElement">report</a>
by
the <span class="italic font-medium"> UN Human Rights Office</span>, calling for an end
to
internet shutdowns, warns that internet shutdowns “very rarely meet the proportionality test”. The Report
refers to internet shutdowns as “powerful markers of deteriorating human rights situations” and notes that
their use to stop the spread of hate speech or disinformation is incompatible with human rights standards,
and because of the fear and uncertainty they instil, shutdowns may actually worsen the spread of hate
speech and disinformation.
</p>
</div>
<p class="normal-text" style="margin-top: 5rem;">
It seems as though governments would be hard-pressed to back up their claims for such a prolonged internet
shutdowns. Reportedly, when questioned about the effectiveness of internet shutdowns by the Parliamentary
Standing Committee on Information Technology in 2020, representatives of the <a
href="https://www.forbesindia.com/article/special/were-the-republic-day-internet-shutdowns-in-delhi-haryana-necessary/65997/1">Union
Home Ministry and Delhi and Bihar State Governments</a> were unable to provide metrics to gauge
effectiveness but continued to maintain that they were essential to maintain law and order. In fact, the <a
href="https://loksabhadocs.nic.in/lsscommittee/Communications%20and%20Information%20Technology/17_Communications_and_Information_Technology_26.pdf">Parliamentary
Standing Committee</a> instead found that the powers of internet suspension were misused by State
Governments, leading to huge economic loss, untold suffering to the public, and serious reputational damage to
the country.
</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="paper-down"></div>
<!-- Section 6 -->
<div class="snap-section h-full w-full flex flex-col items-center brown-bg min-h-screen"
style="padding-top: 20rem; padding-bottom: 20rem;">
<div class="container brown-bg white-top-border pt-4">
<p class="heading-text pb-2">Impact</p>
<p class="normal-text text-white">
While internet shutdowns may project an image of control and proactivity, as a report by the <a
href="https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/G22/341/55/PDF/G2234155.pdf?OpenElement">UN Human Rights
Office</a> has noted, shutdowns cause “incalculable damage” which “exceed any hoped-for benefit”. Media
coverage emerging from Manipur paints a picture of a state in crisis, where an internet shutdown has worsened
hardship at every turn.
</p>
<p class="normal-text text-white">
The right to access the internet has been recognised by the United Nations, given its proximity to other
fundamental rights, such as the right to free expression and the right to freedom of assembly. In 2020, the
Supreme Court of India recognised the right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a), and the
right to carry on any trade or business under 19(1)(g), using the medium of internet as constitutionally
protected. In shutting down the internet, the State Government has deprived the people of Manipur of these
rights for 100 days and counting.
</p>
<p class="normal-text text-white">
Internet shutdowns disrupt economies on a massive scale—from interrupting financial transactions to creating a
climate of uncertainty that discourages investment. The economic shocks arising from internet shutdowns are felt
over a long period of time and can worsen existing social inequalities.
</p>
</div>
<div class="container" style="margin-top: 4rem;">
<p class="strong-text text-white mb-8">
Digital Transactions
</p>
<p class="normal-text text-white">
Digital transactions are brought to a standstill making it near impossible to receive salaries and pay for
goods/ services in our increasingly digitised modern economy.
</p>
</div>
<div class="big-white-box">
<p class="big-quote">
“We are not talking about less demand, there is no service”
</p>
<p class="normal-text pb-0 pt-0">
- <a class="quote-author"
href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/internet-ban-exacerbates-manipurs-problems-businesses-struggle-education-disrupted/article66949733.ece">Henry
Thangboi</a>, who deals with Royal Enfield motorcycles in the Churachandpur district.
</p>
</div>
<div class="big-white-box">
<p class="big-quote">
“Transactions have become a problem. Even receiving money has become problematic, as cash is only sometimes
available. For a simple mobile recharge, we have to ask friends from outside Manipur to do so”
</p>
<p class="normal-text pb-0 pt-0">
- <a class="quote-author"
href="https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/internet-ban-exacerbates-manipurs-problems-businesses-struggle-education-disrupted/article66949733.ece">Thomas</a>,
runs a business on marble and granite located in Imphal.
</p>
</div>
<div class="container mt-16" style="margin-top: 4rem;">
<p class="strong-text text-white mb-8">
Remote Working Professionals
</p>
<p class="normal-text text-white">
Remote working professionals are disproportionately impacted by a lack of network connectivity which obstructs
their ability to receive instructions, complete tasks, and relay output back to colleagues.
</p>
</div>
<div class="big-white-box">
<p class="big-quote">
“I fear my office will send me a termination letter soon. My work has been severely affected due to the internet
ban that has been in effect in Manipur since last month”
</p>
<p class="normal-text pb-0 pt-0">
- <a class="quote-author"
href="https://www.thequint.com/news/india/manipur-net-ban-effect-livelihood-education">Biplob Singh
Huidrom</a>, a communications professional at a software firm.
</p>
</div>
<div class="big-white-box">
<p class="big-quote">
“The shutdowns put remote-working professionals at a high risk of unemployment with several reportedly already
being laid off"
</p>
<p class="normal-text pb-0 pt-0">
- <a class="quote-author"
href="https://www.thequint.com/news/india/manipur-net-ban-effect-livelihood-education">Moirangthem
Sudhakar</a>, a spokesperson for the All Manipur Remote Working Professionals.
</p>
</div>
<div class="container mt-16" style="margin-top: 4rem;">
<p class="strong-text text-white mb-8">
Local Businesses
</p>
<p class="normal-text text-white">
Local businesses are significantly impacted by their inability to reach their consumer bases both within and
beyond the affected region, accept online payments, and file taxes.
</p>
</div>
<div class="big-white-box">
<p class="big-quote">
“We are not able to make online payments, and submit GST [goods and services tax]. This ban has shut down our
business almost completely. Our customers are from outside Manipur and almost all the work we do is based on the
internet. When there is no internet, we don't have any other means to communicate with our customers.”
</p>
<p class="normal-text pb-0 pt-0">
- <a class="quote-author"
href="https://scroll.in/article/1052313/how-two-months-of-internet-shutdown-paralysed-manipurs-economy">Manmeet
Singh Arora</a>, Vice President of the Manipur Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
</p>
</div>
<div class="container mt-16" style="margin-top: 4rem;">
<p class="strong-text text-white mb-8">
The Loss of Foreign Investment
</p>
<p class="normal-text text-white">
The risk of losing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is heightened not only due to the barriers to completing
financial transactions but also because foreign companies often rely on anti-corruption indices to estimate
credibility which are in part determined by ‘access to information’ indicators which are compromised during
shutdowns. </p>
</div>
<div class="mt-16 container" style="margin-top: 4rem;">
<p class="strong-text text-white mb-8">
The Flow of Remittances
</p>
<p class="normal-text text-white">
The flow of remittances is halted with the suspension of online banking services which further comprises the
financial insecurity and instability affected populations must contend with.
</p>
</div>
<div class="mt-16 container" style="margin-top: 4rem;">
<p class="strong-text text-white mb-8">
Impact on Professional Efficiency
</p>
<p class="normal-text text-white">
Professional efficiency is compromised for all within an affected area and can have further trickle-down effects
on an individual or organisation’s credibility affecting not only future business prospects but also work-life
balances and mental health.
</p>
</div>
<div class="big-white-box">
<p class="big-quote">
“The phone connection is bad and bosses need to repeat calls to have a single conversation and it leads to bad
communication.”
</p>
<p class="normal-text pb-0 pt-0">
- Quote from an earlier <a
href="https://internews.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Of_Sieges_and_Shutdowns_The_Bachchao_Project_2018_12_22.pdf">study</a>
from
Manipur conducted in 2018
</p>
</div>
<div class="big-white-box">
<p class="big-quote">
“Sometimes we have to read [aloud] an entire document through [over the] phone due to bad Internet connections,
when we are unable to send mails.”
</p>
<p class="normal-text pb-0 pt-0">
- Quote from an earlier <a
href="https://internews.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Of_Sieges_and_Shutdowns_The_Bachchao_Project_2018_12_22.pdf">study</a>
from
Manipur conducted in 2018
</p>
</div>
<div class="container mt-16">
<p class="normal-text text-white">
The bottom line: When all these factors take place simultaneously, an affected region is at risk of both
increased inflation and unemployment. Together, these conditions not only cripple the local economy in the short
term but also set back
the region's long-term economic growth and exacerbate socioeconomic inequities.
</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="paper-up"></div>
<!-- Section 7 -->
<div class="snap-section paper-bg">
<div class="h-full w-full flex flex-col justify-center items-center">
<div class="container red-top-border pt-8">
<div class="container pt-2">
<img src="./public/images/economic_cost_visual.png" alt="economic cost visual"
class="mt-24 lg:mt-[auto] sm:mt-24">
</div>
<div class="container mt-12">
<p class="normal-text whitespace-normal">
All data for the construction of these graphics is sourced from Top10VPN's annual Cost of Internet
Shutdowns
<a href= "https://www.top10vpn.com/research/cost-of-internet-shutdowns/">Reports</a>
which calculates its estimates of the economic impact of internet shutdowns using the <a href="https://netblocks.org/cost/">COST Tool</a> developed by
internet
monitoring NGO Netblocks. Key indicators included in their calculations include data from the World Bank,
ITU,
Eurostat
and US Census. Beyond instances of internet blackouts, they also include instances of social media shutdowns
and severe
ISP throttling due to the equally disruptive impact they have on economic activity.
</p>
<p class="normal-text whitespace-normal">
This data was recognised by the Parliamentary Standing on Communications and IT, which also <a href="https://loksabhadocs.nic.in/lsscommittee/Communications%20and%20Information%20Technology/17_Communications_and_Information_Technology_26.pdf">noted</a> further
that
“as per
Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), telecom operators reportedly lose INR 24.5 million per hour
in
every
Circle Area where there is a shutdown
or throttling. Other businesses which rely on the internet could lose up to 50 per cent of the
afore-mentioned
amount.
</p>
<p class="normal-text whitespace-normal">
It has been estimated that, in 2023, internet shutdowns have cost India $312.6 million so far. This number,
while
alarming on its own, may also fail to capture the complete cost of an internet shutdown. Media reports have
also social
and psychological costs of the shutdown, which are disproportionately borne by already-vulnerable and
marginalised
groups.
</p>
</div>
</div>
<div class="mt-16 container" style="margin-top: 4rem;">
<p class="strong-text">Relief Work</p>
<p class="normal-text whitespace-normal">
The internet shutdown makes relief-work more difficult amid ongoing violence in Manipur. Shutdowns also
impact the
efficacy of crisis interventions.
</p>
</div>
<div class="big-black-box">
<p class="big-quote text-white whitespace-normal">
“I work with [victims of] domestic abuse and child victims of trafficking. Bad networks affect my work
because I can't
communicate [with the victims or my colleagues]. It affects the cases, especially it leads to loss of
information when
talking with the victims. The lapses in the information has [sic] sometimes led to the cases failing in
court. Sometimes
I could not reach the location for rescues in time because of the bad network. During some incidents when
people have
contacted me, I was not reachable. The incidents blew out of proportion because of lack of intervention by
me.”
</p>
<p class="normal-text pb-0 pt-0">
- Quote from an earlier <a
href="https://internews.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Of_Sieges_and_Shutdowns_The_Bachchao_Project_2018_12_22.pdf">study</a>
from
Manipur conducted in 2018
</p>
</div>
<div class="big-black-box">
<p class="big-quote text-white whitespace-normal">“Internet shutdown has made it more difficult to raise
money for relief work from outside Manipur. Because of the
shutdown, they have been raising money door-to-door, But because the state is in a limbo, people have
suffered
economically as well. They don't have money to donate</a>.”
</p>
<p class="normal-text pt-0 pb-0 whitespace-normal text-white italic">
- <span class="quote-author"><a
href="https://www.wired.co.uk/article/internet-shutdown-manipur-burning-in-the-dark">Lainzalal
Vaiphei </a></span>, Convener of a relief camp
</p>
</div>
<div class="mt-16 container" style="margin-top: 4rem;">
<h2 class="strong-text">
Online Censorship
</h2>
<p class="normal-text whitespace-normal">
Internet shutdowns are an extreme form of online censorship that curtail the right to freedom of expression,
a
right which is particularly critical in situations of political unrest. It prevents the dissemination of
critical and potentially life-saving information. Shutdowns have also been used as a tool to evade
accountability. Without the internet, individuals and civil society organisations are often unable to
document
and share evidence of human rights violations. This is particularly concerning as a day after the state-wide
shutdown of mobile data services, the Manipur state government issued a “shoot-at-sight” order that was
<a href="https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/asa20/6969/2023/en/"> condemned</a> by Amnesty International
as
a “flagrant violation of human rights law and standards”. Internet
shutdowns make it difficult for journalists to do their jobs. <a
href="https://nagalandpost.com/index.php/internet-shutdown-hits-media-in-manipur/">Reportedly</a>,
according
to a memorandum submitted
by the Editors Guild Manipur and the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union to the state IPR minister, the
internet shutdown has made it impossible for them to update the software used to broadcast TV news.
</p>
</div>
<div class="big-red-box">
<p class="big-quote text-white whitespace-normal">
“By and large it [internet shutdown] is being weaponized to subdue narratives that are not in the
authorities' political interests, and to shut down dissent or critical voices such as voices who ask
questions or seek accountability.”
</p>
<p class="pt-0 pb-0 whitespace-normal text-white italic">- A human rights activist in Manipur told HRW and IFF
for their <span class="quote-author"><a
href="https://www.hrw.org/report/2023/06/14/no-internet-means-no-work-no-pay-no-food/internet-shutdowns-deny-access-basic">joint
report</a></span> published in June 2023
</p>
</div>
<div class="big-red-box">
<p class="big-quote whitespace-normal text-white">
“Media reports are often published days after the incident. The internet cut-off was one of the biggest
challenges as it has become an essential commodity for us reporters, reporters would file stories through
text messages or phone calls.”
</p>
<p class="pt-0 pb-0 whitespace-normal text-white italic">- <span class="quote-author"><a
href="https://www.newslaundry.com/2023/05/10/no-internet-frenzied-mobs-manipur-journalists-on-biggest-challenges-to-reporting-on-the-conflict">Rinku
Khumukcham</a></span>, Editor of Imphal Times.
</p>
</div>
<div class="big-red-box">
<p class="big-quote whitespace-normal text-white">“This is a social media era. All the important updates are
made on social media, including by the government, which uses
it to post all its notifications. We are totally unaware during internet shutdown. We have no idea what
is going on.”</p>
<p class="pt-0 pb-0 whitespace-normal text-white italic">- <span class="quote-author"><a
href="https://www.hrw.org/report/2023/06/14/no-internet-means-no-work-no-pay-no-food/internet-shutdowns-deny-access-basic">A
Manipur-based journalist</a></span>, who asked not to be identified, told HRW and IFF</p>
</div>
<div class="mt-16 container" style="margin-top: 4rem;">
<h2 class="strong-text">
Impact on Education
</h2>
<p class="normal-text whitespace-normal">
Shutdowns disrupt education for students both in and outside of the state. In <span class="italic">Faheema
Shirin v. State of
Kerala</span>, in September 2019, the Kerala High Court recognized the right to have access to the
internet
as a part
of the right to education as well as the right to privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution.
</p>
</div>
<div class="big-black-box">
<p class="big-quote whitespace-normal text-white">“I have taken a loan from my friend to pay my house rent.
We are
currently concerned about the ongoing university exams
because we are traumatised by what is happening around us and back at our hometown.”</p>
<p class="pt-0 pb-0 whitespace-normal text-white italic">- <span class="quote-author"><a
href="https://www.thequint.com/news/india/manipur-net-ban-effect-livelihood-education">Seilenmang
Haokip</a></span>, a 25-year-old final-year law student at Delhi University.</p>
</div>
<div class="big-black-box">
<p class="big-quote whitespace-normal text-white">“My son is keen on pursuing his bachelor's degree
either from
Delhi or Bengaluru. And nowadays, all form filling
for
admission to these colleges is done through the internet. But due to net being cut off in the state we
have not been
able to access information on online
form submission, cut off marks last date for application in colleges in major
cities of India that are outside Manipur.”</p>
<p class="pt-0 pb-0 whitespace-normal text-white italic">- <span class="quote-author"><a
href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/internet-ban-adds-to-monetary-woes-of-manipur-students-in-capital/article66913490.ece">Grace
Paite</a></span>(name changed), a resident of Lamka, a town in Churachandpur.</p>
</div>
<div class="mt-16 container" style="margin-top: 4rem;">
<h2 class="strong-text">
Access to Healthcare
</h2>
<p class="normal-text whitespace-normal">
Internet shutdowns disrupt the delivery of healthcare and other essential services, compounding the
difficulties experienced by people in Manipur.
</p>
</div>
<div class="big-red-box">
<p class="big-quote text-white whitespace-normal">
“Because of the Internet suspension, I was unable to place the orders for a month, nor have I been able to
make my last payment. I could not reach out to people who could have supported the relief efforts,
either.”
</p>
<p class="pt-0 pb-0 whitespace-normal text-white italic">- <span class="quote-author"><a
href="https://www.telegraphindia.com/north-east/manipur-internet-ban-affects-relief-operations-church-elder-slams-human-rights-violation/cid/1952525">
J.Haokip</a> </span>, who runs a charity in Churachandpur and is helping supply medicines and rice to
the
relief camps.
</p>
</div>
<div class="big-red-box">
<p class="big-quote whitespace-normal text-white"><a
href="https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2023/5/19/IMPHAL-May-18The-Manipur-State-Business-Owners-Association-MASBOA-has-submitted-a-memorandum-t.html">The
Kripadashini Advanced Hospital & Research Institute</a>, Imphal, appealed to the State Government to
lift the
internet
shutdown as beneficiaries under the Chief Minister-gi Hakshelgi Tengbang (CMHT) scheme and the Pradhan
Mantri Jan
Arogya
Yojana scheme have been unable to access their benefits, as both schemes rely on the internet for
registration and
the
processing of claims.</p>
</div>
<div class="mt-16 container" style="margin-top: 4rem;">
<h2 class="strong-text">
The Gendered Impact of Internet Shudowns
</h2>
<p class="normal-text">
Internet shutdowns disproportionately impact women, as they lose an important tool for safety and
communication. Women are also severely affected by the economic harms that are caused by shutdowns, as they
are often in more <a href="https://www.oxfam.org/en/why-majority-worlds-poor-are-women">precarious economic
positions </a> compared to men.
</p>
</div>
<div class="big-black-box">
<p class="big-quote whitespace-normal text-white">
“The shutdowns also have an “adverse impact on women's ability to feel safe and restrict their
freedom of
movement.”
</p>
<p class="pt-0 pb-0 whitespace-normal text-white italic">- <span class="quote-author"><a
href="https://www.reuters.com/article/india-internet-women-idUSL8N39B0AR">Jayshree Bajoria</a></span>,
Associate Director at Human Rights Watch in Asia.
</p>
</div>
<div class="big-black-box">
<p class="big-quote whitespace-normal text-white">“In Manipur, the shutdown means that women cannot
communicate as
easily with their families via WhatsApp, check the
news, make and receive payments on the phone, or even recharge their mobile SIMs.”</p>
<p class="pt-0 pb-0 whitespace-normal text-white italic">- <span class="quote-author"><a
href="https://www.reuters.com/article/india-internet-women-idUSL8N39B0AR">Ninglun Hangal</a></span>,
Works
with
Development
Nonprofits.</p>
</div>
<div class="mt-16 container" style="margin-top: 4rem;">
<h2 class="strong-text">
State Social Protection Measures
</h2>
<p class="normal-text whitespace-normal">
Internet shutdowns impact state social protection measures. One of the key findings from Human Rights Watch
and IFF’s joint report on internet shutdowns was that internet shutdowns can deny vulnerable communities
access to basic human rights and social protections that are guaranteed by the state. As government schemes
become platformised and digitised, losing access to the internet means losing access to vital social
protection measures.
</p>
</div>
<div class="big-red-box">
<p class="big-quote whitespace-normal text-white">
“All the government schemes are now dependent on the internet, so you can no longer get access to any of
it without internet; even getting food rations require biometric authentication.”
</p>
<p class="pt-0 pb-0 whitespace-normal text-white italic">- <span class="quote-author"> <a
href="https://www.hrw.org/report/2023/06/14/no-internet-means-no-work-no-pay-no-food/internet-shutdowns-deny-access-basic">Laavanya
Tamang</a></span>, a
Nonprofit Organisation that works on improving public service delivery in India.</p>
</div>
<div class="px-2 lg:px-0 sm:px-2 py-[auto] container">
<p class="normal-text whitespace-normal" style="margin-top: 5rem;">
When we weigh all the costs of an internet shutdown, largely borne by ordinary people, against its benefits,
which are, at best, speculative, it becomes clear that an internet shutdown is not a proportionate response.
</p>
<p class="normal-text whitespace-normal">
The Government of India launched the Digital India scheme in 2015 with “a vision to transform India into a
digitally empowered society”. Two of its key vision areas, in apparent recognition of the transformative
power
of the internet, are to make digital infrastructure a “core utility” to every citizen and the digital
empowerment of citizens. That same year, there were around 14 internet shutdowns imposed in India. Today,
India has the dubious distinction of being the internet shutdown capital of the world. On one hand, the
Indian
government pushes its citizens toward a techno-solutionist utopia of digital governance, biometric
surveillance, and datafied administration; on the other hand, it keeps poised over the proverbial internet
killswitch, ready to pull the trigger.
</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="paper-down"></div>
<!-- Section 8 -->
<div class="h-full w-full flex flex-col items-center bg-[#0C0C0C] min-h-screen" style="padding-top: 20rem;">
<div class="container bg-[#0C0C0C] white-top-border pt-4">
<p
class="uppercase italic text-[2.57rem] sm:text-[2.57rem] lg:text-[4rem] whitespace-normal font-medium text-[#E8183D] pb-2">
recommendations</p>
<p class="normal-text text-white whitespace-normal">
Wholesale suspension of internet services being imposed by democratic governments should never be the answer
for
quelling issues of public order or prevention of misinformation. The harms associated with lack of access to
internet services outweigh the harms associated with access to the internet. In view of this, the following
recommendations may be considered by the State to overhaul as well as democratise the process -
</p>
<article class="container pl-4 lg:pl-8 sm:pl-4 pr-[auto]">
<div class="inline-flex justify-center items-center space-x-4">
<p class="text-[#FF103B] font-medium italic text-7xl lg:text-9xl sm:text-7xl">1</p>
<p class="normal-text text-white whitespace-normal">
The Review Committee constituted under Temporary Suspension Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public
Safety)
Rules, 2017, should comprise of non-executive members, for example, including a retired High Court Judge.
As
it
currently stands, the decisions of the Review Committee raise a perception of bias on account of conflict
of
interest as it is required to review the orders which are issued by its own arm of the government.
</p>
</div>
<div class="inline-flex justify-center items-center space-x-4">
<p class="text-[#FF103B] font-medium italic text-7xl lg:text-9xl sm:text-7xl">2</p>
<p class="normal-text text-white whitespace-normal">
In rare situations, rather than imposing a blanket shutdown, selective restriction of specific services or
websites may be considered. A Consultation Paper released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
(TRAI)
recommends selective banning of OTT messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Telegram. However,
reasons should be provided to correlate the banning of the service in question with the objective that is
sought
to be achieved.
</p>
</div>
<div class="inline-flex justify-center items-center space-x-4">
<p class="text-[#FF103B] font-medium italic text-7xl lg:text-9xl sm:text-7xl">3</p>
<p class="normal-text text-white whitespace-normal">
In line with the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology on
“Suspension of Telecom Services and Internet and its Impact”, the Department of Telecommunications or the
Ministry of Home Affairs must maintain a centralised database of all internet shutdowns that are imposed
by
States. Maintenance of such a database will allow policymakers, researchers and other civil society
activists
to
access accurate data pertaining to the suspension of internet services.
</p>
</div>
<div class="inline-flex justify-center items-center space-x-4">
<p class="text-[#FF103B] font-medium italic text-7xl lg:text-9xl sm:text-7xl">4</p>
<p class="normal-text text-white whitespace-normal">
A complete overhaul of the 2017 Rules to codify defined parameters that can be stated to fall within the
contours of “public emergency” and “public safety” - grounds on which internet shutdowns may be imposed.
This
is
to prevent suspension of internet services being directed on the basis of subjective assessment of the
issuing
authority.
</p>
</div>
<div class="inline-flex justify-center items-center space-x-4">
<p class="text-[#FF103B] font-medium italic text-7xl lg:text-9xl sm:text-7xl">5</p>
<p class="normal-text text-white whitespace-normal">
Citizens who are affected may utilise mesh networks, such as Bluetooth, to communicate without having to
rely
on
the internet or short message service (SMS). Though access to the internet remains impeded, it does aid in
facilitating digital communication.
</p>
</div>
</article>
</div>
</div>
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<div class="h-full w-full flex flex-col items-center bg-[#0C0C0C] min-h-screen" style="padding-top: 10rem;">
<div class="container bg-[#0C0C0C] white-top-border pt-4">
<p class="heading-text pb-2">FURTHER READING</p>
<div class="mb-1 lg:mb-2 sm:mb-1 mt-[auto]">
<ul class="list-disc space-y-4 text-white">
<li>
<em>Chinmayi S K and Rohini Lakshané</em>, “Of Sieges and Shutdowns How Unreliable Mobile Networks and Intentional Internet
Shutdowns Affect the Lives of Women in Manipur.” <em>Internews.org</em>, The Bachchao Project, 2018.
<br>
<a class="underline"
href="https://internews.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Of_Sieges_and_Shutdowns_The_Bachchao_Project_2018_12_22.pdf">
https://internews.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Of_Sieges_and_Shutdowns_The_Bachchao_Project_2018_12_22.pdf
</a>
</li>
<li>
<em>Hanjabam I. Sharma</em>, “Understanding Underdevelopment in Manipur: A Critical Survey.” <em>Economic
and
Political Weekly</em> 47, no. 46 (2012): 71-77.
<br>
<a class="underline" href="http://www.jstor.org/stable/41720385">
http://www.jstor.org/stable/41720385
</a>
</li>
<li>
<em>Donald Takhell</em>, “The Nexus of Bandhs Blockades and their Impact on Developmental Justice.”
<em>Imphal
Reviews of Arts and Politics</em>, May 28, 2022.
<br>
<a class="underline"
href="https://imphalreviews.in/the-nexus-of-bandhs-blockades-and-blackouts-and-their-impact-on-developmental-justice/">
https://imphalreviews.in/the-nexus-of-bandhs-blockades-and-blackouts-and-their-impact-on-developmental-justice/
</a>
</li>
<!-- Add the rest of the items following the same pattern -->
<li>
<em>Maithri</em>, “Internet Shutdowns: Is Dissent A Threat To The Government?” <em>Feminism in India</em>,
September 3, 2021.
<br>
<a class="underline"
href="https://feminisminindia.com/2021/09/03/internet-shutdowns-is-dissent-a-threat-to-the-government/">
https://feminisminindia.com/2021/09/03/internet-shutdowns-is-dissent-a-threat-to-the-government/
</a>
</li>
<li>
<em>“Digital repression belies democracy in India, says report.”</em> <em>People's Dispatch</em>, 2019.
<br>
<a class="underline"
href="https://peoplesdispatch.org/2019/04/06/digital-repression-belies-democracy-in-india-says-report/">
https://peoplesdispatch.org/2019/04/06/digital-repression-belies-democracy-in-india-says-report/
</a>
</li>
<li>
<em>Firdous Hassan</em>, “Internet blockade fails to curb violence: Stanford study.” <em>The Kashmir
Monitor</em>,
2019.
<br>
<a class="underline"
href="https://www.thekashmirmonitor.net/internet-blockade-fails-to-curb-violence-stanford-study/">
https://www.thekashmirmonitor.net/internet-blockade-fails-to-curb-violence-stanford-study/
</a>
</li>
<li>
<em>Human Rights Watch</em> and <em>Internet Freedom Foundation</em>. “‘No Internet Means No Work, No Pay,