A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court of India against the indefinite ban on the internet in Manipur by the State government since 3rd May. The state government has repeatedly ordered to shut the internet down despite the condition now being in control as the violence has relatively improved from the initial days.
The petition has been filed by lawyer Chongtham Victor Singh and businessman Mayengbam James. It states how the move to ban the internet has led to fear, anxiety, helplessness, straining personal and professional relationships, and bringing the economic activities to a standstill.
The violence in Manipur began on 3rd May, quickly escalating into an extreme situation soon after. The roots of the violence lie deep in the demography and the ethnic population of the state. The immediate cause of it, however, was the demand for the Meitei community to be included in the ST list. The Meitei community accounts for 53% of the Manipur’s population. This demand was opposed by the tribal bodies who fear that the ST status of the Meiteis will harm their interests.
Although the violent unrest has decreased in the past few days, the situation remains vulnerable needing a proper permanent solution. And the ban on the internet is not one.
Written By- Disha Hatikakoty. , Maitreyi College, University of Delhi. , Intern under Legal Vidhiya.
