For nearly three months, the Indian state of Manipur grappled with violent clashes between Hindu Meitei and Christian Kuki-Zo tribes. However, when a distressing video emerged in mid-July, capturing the public humiliation of two Kuki women by armed Meitei men, the incident garnered global attention and forced the Indian government to break its silence.
Experts reveal that the delayed surfacing of the video can be attributed to the internet shutdown imposed in Manipur on May 3 by the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. Although the authorities claimed that the shutdown aimed to combat rumors and disinformation, digital rights activists argue that cutting off internet access hindered the flow of information and potentially contributed to escalating violence.
India has gained notoriety for its frequent internet shutdowns, ranking first globally over the past five years. In the first half of 2022 alone, the country imposed almost as many shutdowns as it did throughout 2021. Beyond complete shutdowns, the government also regularly blocks specific websites and coerces social media platforms into censoring content.
In Manipur, the response from the government was to request Twitter and other social media platforms to remove the video, citing concerns over public order. Although Manipur’s high court intervened to partially restore internet access, social media websites, WiFi hotspots, VPNs, and mobile internet remain blocked, leading to allegations of human rights violations.
These shutdowns have sparked a broader debate across India about their efficacy and the social and economic costs they inflict. The practice of total internet shutdowns began in August 2019 when the government imposed a prolonged blackout in the Muslim-majority region of Kashmir. Since then, shutdowns have become increasingly commonplace during communal unrest, public protests, and even for seemingly mundane reasons, such as preventing exam cheating.
Regulating internet shutdowns in India remains a contentious issue. While amendments were made to the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885 in 2017, specifying that shutdowns must be justified by state governments in cases of public emergencies, the lack of concrete definitions for terms like “public safety” and “public emergency” allows considerable discretion. The Supreme Court has attempted to impose stricter guidelines, limiting shutdowns to 15 days or less, but enforcement remains inconsistent.
The consequences of internet shutdowns are far-reaching, particularly as more people rely on the internet for their social and economic well-being. India has invested heavily in its digital infrastructure under the “Digital India” initiative, aiming to transform the economy. However, the government’s frequent use of shutdowns undermines this vision and cripples entire sectors of society.
Estimates suggest that the overall cost of shutdowns in India in 2022 amounted to $184.3 million, primarily affecting marginalized communities. For instance, the shutdown in Kashmir in 2019 caused significant unemployment among those working in the tourism sector. Moreover, experts argue that these shutdowns are ineffective, as access to information is crucial during crises, making them a disproportionate measure.
Furthermore, India’s endorsement of the right to freedom of expression and information online under the UN’s International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights adds to concerns about the legitimacy of internet shutdowns. Despite international commitments, Indian authorities continue to defend their shutdown policies, perpetuating a cycle of censorship and darkness for those affected.
The case of Manipur’s prolonged internet shutdown and the grave consequences it has had on the lives of its citizens highlight the urgent need for reevaluation and stricter regulation of such measures.
Market Capital Research 