The Modi government's frequent shutdowns of internet and communication systems are drawing international attention amidst accusations of severe human rights violations and atrocities against minorities in India.
Critics are alarmed by what they perceive as a deliberate attempt to silence dissenting voices and distort information, particularly regarding the government's performance and alleged abuses. The shutdowns have become so routine that they are now seen as a means to suppress the oppressed and stifle any opposition.
According to a report by SurfShark in 2023, India holds the unenviable position of being the second-largest nation in terms of global internet connectivity. However, between January and June 2023 alone, the internet was shut down nine times in India, reflecting a pattern of curbing digital access.
The situation is especially dire in regions like Occupied Kashmir, where, according to the Software Freedom Law Center, there were a staggering 422 internet shutdowns between 2012 and 2023. Similar shutdowns were reported in states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Manipur during times of civil unrest and protests.
Even during the recent farmers' protests, which began in February 2024, the government resorted to internet blackouts in Punjab, alongside suspending social media accounts and news portals critical of its policies. This crackdown on freedom of expression has drawn condemnation from various quarters, including Olympian Bajrang Punia, who denounced it as an assault on India's free press.
The severity of the situation was highlighted by the 500-day internet blackout imposed in Occupied Kashmir in August 2019, raising serious concerns about basic human rights and democratic freedoms. Instances like the arrest of Sikh activist Amritpal Singh in March 2023, where internet services were suspended for days, further underscore the government's heavy-handed approach.
In November 2023, the state of Maharashtra also faced an internet shutdown, further fueling accusations of censorship and suppression of dissenting voices.
The international community is closely monitoring these developments, with calls for the Modi government to uphold democratic principles and respect fundamental rights gaining traction. However, amidst escalating tensions and a widening crackdown on communication channels, the path towards a resolution remains uncertain.
