Manipur: Four districts will have internet connections restored shortly, says Transport Minister Khashim Vashum

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• Nov 8, 2023 | Poonam Nath

Vashum announced during a gathering in Ukhrul that mobile internet services will be restored in the districts of...

Digital Desk: Khashim Vashum, Manipur's transport minister, has stated that internet connection will be restored shortly in the four districts of Ukhrul, Chandel, Tamenglong, and Senapati. 

Vashum announced during a gathering in Ukhrul that mobile internet services will be restored in the districts of Chandel, Tamenglong, Ukhrul, and Senapati. He also stated that the government plans to test mobile towers in the headquarters of these four districts. 

All four districts are Naga-majority areas that have been spared the months of ethnic bloodshed that have enveloped Manipur. 

The declaration by the Manipur minister comes after a division bench of the Manipur High Court issued a judgement directing the state government to restore internet connections in regions that have remained unaffected throughout the Meitei-Kuki ethnic strife over the last six months. However, no date or area for the restoration of internet services has been set. 

Also Read : Manipur: Ten injured one killed in fresh violence

A division bench comprised of Chief Justice Siddharth Mridul and Justice Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui directed the state to "extend services to areas" undisturbed by violence. 

The court also ordered the state to post copies of all orders issued in connection with the suspension or curtailment of mobile internet data services on its official website. 

However, the matter's next compliance hearing is scheduled for November 9. 

The All Naga Students Association of Manipur (ANSAM) has been calling for the restoration of internet connections in areas that have not been touched by the violence. 

The Manipur government's decision to extend the internet ban till today, November 8, expires on Sunday. 

Mobile internet has been prohibited in Manipur since May 3, when ethnic hostilities started, except a few days in September.