Broadband Internet Ban Conditionally Lifted In Manipur, But No Mobile Internet

After nearly three months, the suspension of broadband internet connection will be "lifted conditionally in a liberalised manner" in trouble-hit Manipur.

People with a static IP connection can access the internet in a limited way, the government order said on Tuesday. Internet was suspended after the ethnic clashes broke out in May. However, the mobile internet continues to be banned in the state.

"Connection will be only through static IP and that the subscriber concerned shall not accept any other connection other than allowed for the time being [TSP/ISP shall be held responsible for non-compliance of this condition]," the government notification said.

"No Wifi Hotspots shall be allowed from any of the routers and systems using the connection at any cost by the subscriber concerned," it said. The government has considered the suffering of the people as the internet ban affected offices and institutions, and people working from home, besides mobile recharge, LPG cylinder booking, payment of electricity bills, and other online services, the order said.

It said the suspension on broadband internet has been lifted in a liberalised manner, subject to the fulfilment of several terms and conditions.

The state government has warned internet service providers that they will be held responsible if anybody uses it without a static IP.

Devices assigned with static IP addresses retain a fixed and unchanging unique address, unlike dynamic IP addresses that vary over time and upon connection. This makes static IPs more accessible for law enforcement authorities to monitor.

The government has imposed restrictions, disallowing Wi-Fi hotspots and access to social media websites. Additionally, users are required to uninstall any existing virtual private network (VPN) software and refrain from installing new ones. VPNs encrypt internet traffic and cloak online identities, making it challenging for third parties to track online activities.

More than 150 people have lost their lives and several injured since ethnic violence broke out in Manipur on May 3, when a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status.