Human rights body in Manipur asks government state to consider restoration of internet services

Following the unprecedented violence between the Kuki-Zomi tribes and the majority Meitei community, the state government of Manipur extended the internet shutdown for another five days. As mobile data and broadband services in the Indian state of Manipur have been suspended since the outbreak of ethnic violence on 3 May, the Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has asked the state government to consider restoring internet services. 

MHRC asked the state government to consider the resumption of internet services for the benefit of the citizens while striking a balance between the security of the state and the right to freedom of expression. Last month, MHRC received a complaint about the suspension of internet services claiming to violate human rights in the Churachandpur district from a resident of Aizawl, and asked the MHRC to launch an investigation. The MHRC noted that a similar petition filed by two residents of Manipur was awaiting an order from the Supreme Court.