Myanmar reimposes internet shutdown in Rakhine, Chin states
Al JazeeraMobile operator Telenor says it was told to block services in conflict-torn states for ‘security and public interest’. Myanmar has reimposed an internet shutdown in two conflict-torn western states, after partially lifting the blackout five months ago, a leading telecoms operator said late on Monday. Norwegian mobile operator Telenor Group said in a statement the transport and communications ministry had once again ordered a three-month stop on mobile internet traffic in five townships in Rakhine and Chin states. A months-long internet blackout imposed on eight Rakhine townships and one in Chin state was partially lifted in September 2019 – with services returning to Rakhine’s Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Rathedaung, and Myebon as well as Paletwa in Chin – amid talks seeking to end clashes between government troops and opposing fighters. Officials cited “security requirements and public interest” for the reinstatement, Telenor said, adding that four other Rakhine townships – Ponnagyun, Mrauk-U, Kyauktaw and Minbya – remained under the blackout that was first imposed in June last year.
History of this topic
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