Manipur Government Fails to Restore BBNL VSAT Internet Services in Remote Areas after Conflict.

Imphal, 5th Sept 2024 – The Manipur government has failed to restore the Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL) VSAT internet services in remote and hilly areas of the state, leaving thousands without essential connectivity since the conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities erupted on May 3, 2023. The services, provided by the Government of India (GOI) to areas where mobile networks are non-existent or inaccessible, have remained inactive for several months.

The conflict has severely impacted BBNL's VSAT installations in these regions, where crucial instruments and equipment have been damaged due to prolonged disuse. The lack of restoration has left residents in shadow areas—already isolated due to the lack of mobile network coverage—without any means of communication or access to the internet, exacerbating their hardships.

Locals have voiced concerns about what they perceive as discrimination by the Manipur government, citing the continued neglect of these services in the hill areas. Despite the critical role these services play in education, healthcare, and emergency communication, no concrete steps have been taken to repair the damaged infrastructure or reinstate internet services.

Residents are urging both the state and central governments to address the issue urgently and restore the VSAT services that serve as their only lifeline to the outside world.