Dear Mr. CM,
We’re living in an era where internet keep us connected with people from across the globe. Likewise, Nagaland is a State where majority of internet users feed on mobile data owing to geographical remoteness as compared with mainland cities. The recent move that extensively banned mobile data has negatively affected the entire populace particularly students and individuals who are preparing for exams. Such hasty illogical measure taken under an excuse of controlling mob has pushed the situation from bad to worse. People felt disconnected at home and thus forced themselves into streets or crowded places which aggravated the violence.
As a result, internet ban holds no effect in lessening violent behavior. Of late, we’ve witnessed incidents like burning down of government offices, burning of vehicles, shootings, vandalizing properties and frequent protests across the streets of Nagaland amid ongoing cellular data ban. These are indisputable signs that people can overpower the power of internet ban imposed by government. In broader sense, such desperate attempt to cut off normal communication was clear symptom of juvenile behavior.
It is too early to deny the fact on the situation that remains tense. However, there are people willing to console others in distress via social blogs. Oppositely, the freedom of communication was hijacked whilst right to access information was completely confiscated. That was how the situation took a U-turn from out of the pan into the fire. In some instance, competent government authority has the right to block peril websites that potentially trigger violent but not the entire service on which optimistic users feed on for positive purpose.
Straight to the point, there are vital online activities which we cannot escape from. While the candidates of NPSC combined technical exam counter difficulties in online procedures, the students of CBSE and NBSE deprived from accessing study materials and conducting online test. Besides, a group of talented Nagas currently participating in National event (Rising stars) were deprived of online votes. There are also other activities which have been adversely hit by data ban.
Has the government consulted TRAI prior to ban and thereof, notify consumers as to why data ban came into effect and under what Act? When it comes to price value, 3G/4G datas are considered expensive. In this case, who will compensate customers if unused prepaid data expires?
I fervently appeal the government to lift prolong internet ban without delay.
Vezo Luruo, Kohima
