Internet ban will be lifted if peace and stability is restored: Deputy Minister

Internet ban will be lifted if peace and stability is restored: Deputy Minister
Published 9 February 2020

 

The ministry will lift a three-month internet ban in the townships in Rakhine and Chin States if the peace and stability is restored, Deputy Minister for Transport and Communications U Tha Oo told the media after the session of Upper House Parliament on 7 February.

The ministry’s internet shutdown in four townships in Rakhine State and one in Chin State will take effect from 3 February to May 2.

Under the directive of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, since 21 June, 2019, the mobile operators cut off 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 Ponnagyun, Pletwa, Maungdaw, Buthedaung, Yathaedaung and Myaebon Townships in Rakhine State.

The ministry re-imposed the internet blackout in Buthedaung, Maungdaw, Yathedaung and Myaebon Township in Rakhine State and Paletwa Township in Chin State.

The ministry carries out the internet ban in accordance with the law. But the SMS and call services are still available there, the deputy minister added.