Manipur: Residents trek to hilltops to access internet in Churachandpur district

Guwahati: Hundreds of residents in Manipur's Churachandpur district have been trekking several kilometers to hilltops every day to access mobile signal and internet, following the suspension of internet services in the district since February 16.

Residents, including students preparing for exams, have been frequenting Theimol hilltop (4.8 km from Churachandpur town), Koitei hilltop (4.5 km away), and Kaprang hilltop (7.7 km away) to get internet access.

"These places have become unlikely hotspots, offering a faint glimmer of connection in an otherwise disconnected district," said a local requesting anonymity.

The Manipur government initially suspended internet services in Churachandpur for five days following following a mob attack on district office complexes of the Superintendent of Police and Deputy Commissioner on February 16. However, the suspension has been extended till March 2 due to security concerns.

While internet services remain suspended in Churachandpur, nearby districts have not been affected. This offered a temporary reprieve from the communication blackout, allowing them to send and receive messages, access information, and connect with loved ones.

While this trek for connectivity provided some relief, it appears to be short-lived as local "village volunteers" have reportedly stopped people from visiting the hilltops.

This has caused frustration among residents who were relying on this workaround to stay connected with loved ones, access information, and continue their studies.

"People were able to send and receive important information and connect with loved ones using the internet from the hilltops. It was a relief for them. However, they are now being prevented from going there by village volunteers," said a local resident.