SHILLONG, MAR 18: Congress working president Deborah Marak said the state’s prolonged internet shutdown in Garo Hills had inflicted “widespread inconvenience and hardship” on businesses, students, health services and banks, and warned that restoring connectivity must not be followed by further arbitrary cuts.
“I learned just now that they are lifting the ban,” Marak told reporters.
“In this era one cannot stay without internet. It is not a luxury but a necessity.”
She said traders in Tura, Williamnagar, Baghmara and North Garo Hills faced losses from disrupted payments and supply chains, while students missed online classes and examination updates.
“Health services and emergency communication are affected, putting lives at risk,” she added.
Calling law‑and‑order restrictions understandable for hours or a few days, Marak said extending the blackout “for more than a week is excessive” and raises questions about governance.
“The continuation was unjustified and affected innocent people. It should not happen in Meghalaya,” she said, urging the government against future prolonged suspensions.
By Our Reporter
