In 2016, the United Nations Human Rights Commission declared internet access a basic human right. Not surprisingly, India was among the 17 countries that strongly opposed this resolution. The country continues to be the largest violator of internet rights, executing at least 84 shutdowns in 2022. Internet shutdowns are the legal pause to internet services, which immediately impact the citizens in a particular location as almost all the day-to-day activities in the modern world are integrated into a digital world.
While some internet shutdowns are brief, for example, the state of Rajasthan in India has shut down the internet to prevent cheating in exams at a district level, some are longer. India had the longest internet shutdown after the bifurcation of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh due to the abrogation of Article 370. It lasted for 552 days.
India is witnessing yet another prolonged internet shutdown in Manipur, where the internet was turned off on May 3 following a conflict that quickly turned into civil strife, primarily fuelled by hostilities between two communities in the state, Meiteis and Kukis. The reality of the conflict is yet to see the light of day due to a heavy crackdown on independent media, compounded by language and geographical barriers. As of July 4, the Manipur government has reported that 142 people have been killed due to the violence involving the Meitei and Kuki communities. Additionally, thousands have been displaced from their homes. Meiteis, who constitute more than half of the population, hold the largest representation in the state assembly, underscoring the existing power imbalances in the region.