A total of 19 civil society organizations issued a statement on December 21, calling for the resumption of internet services in four townships in Rakhine State.

Under the directive of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, since June 21, the mobile operators have cut mobile internet access in nine townships—eight in Rakhine State and Paletwa Township in Chin State.

On August 31, the internet services were restored in five townships including Paletwa Township. Currently, the internet access is unavailable in MraukU, Minbya, Kyauktaw and Ponnagyun Townships in Rakhine State.

Over six-month internet shutdown in four townships is one of the longest internet blackouts. We release this statement as we assume that it may jeopardize the interest of locals. This internet shutdown affect the daily life of the public and their access to information a lot. Plan is underway to conduct the public educative campaigns about internet shutdown. Currently, they are doing the online campaigns,” said Wai Phyo Myint, Digital Right Advocate.

The fact that the government has cut internet access for the country’s security, is an unreasonable decision. There is no evidence that internet shutdown may help support in reducing the number of conflicts, the statement says.

Internet shutdown may compound development situations in Rakhine and conflicts.

For the sake of rule of law and public interest, the ministry cut internet access according to Section 77 of the Telecom Law, with the approval of the government, an official of the ministry told the media.

Only phone calls and SMS services are available there.

Rakhine State MP Maung Than Sein from Kyauktaw Township said: “Internet shutdown makes Rakhine State’s transportation more difficult. We feel we are kicked out of the universe when the country is marching towards development.”

On June 24, MP Hla Thein Aung from Minbya Township submitted an urgent proposal for the resumption of internet access, at Rakhine State Parliament. That proposal was unanimously approved by the parliament. But the internet access remains blocked in four townships.

The CSOs also called for the government to review Sections 77, 78 and the remaining sections in accord with the human rights norms and not to cut internet access and reduce the internet speed in the remaining areas including the conflict-hit areas, during the election period.