Net ban affects normal life in strife-torn Manipur

The net was switched off in Manipur three weeks ago after it erupted in ethnic clashes in order to stop rumours and misinformation being spread using the net which could result in a spiral of retaliatory violence.

Thongbam Inaotomba’s son in Delhi is likely to be thrown out of his lodgings in Delhi as she has not been able to send money to the young student as the internet has been switched off in Manipur for the last 19 days.

Bimola Thounaojam, the mother of an 18-year-old youth, has been trying frantically trying to work out how to get her son admitted to a college outside Manipur without having to go through the usual net-based admission procedure.

Also read: Explained | What is behind Manipur’s widespread unrest?  

The net was switched off in the State three weeks ago after it erupted in ethnic clashes in order to stop rumours and misinformation being spread using the net which could result in a spiral of retaliatory violence.

"My son cleared the CBSE Class 12 exam recently. We cannot get information related to online form submission, cut-off marks and last date for application in colleges in major cities of the country outside Manipur," said Ms. Thounaojam, 52, a resident of Imphal.

The academic career of many students is being threatened due to the internet suspension, she told PTI.

"I am unable to send money online to my son; he studies in Delhi. He has told me over the phone that his landlord has threatened to drive him out if he doesn't pay his monthly rent," said Ms. Inaotomba, 54, a businessman.