Manipur’s Digital Rights Crisis: Universal Access and Internet Governance Amid Ethnic Conflict

In regions afflicted by conflict, the significance of digital rights becomes even more pronounced, while the ramifications of internet shutdowns on fundamental freedoms are potentially more severe. Internet shutdowns in such areas can drastically impede access to information that could be life-saving, critically hinder the delivery of humanitarian aid to vulnerable populations, and obstruct the crucial work of documenting human rights abuses as they occur. These digital blackouts often disproportionately affect communities already marginalized and can exacerbate existing inequalities by cutting off access to essential services and communication channels. Therefore, understanding the interplay between conflict and digital rights is essential for safeguarding human rights in an increasingly interconnected world. This report argues that the digital rights crisis in Manipur, characterized by a prolonged internet shutdown amidst ethnic conflict, serves as a critical example of the challenges and consequences that arise when governments deploy such measures in volatile situations. Read More