Even
though the Paletwa of Chin state continues to be peaceful, the town remains cut
off from the internet services for more than 2 years.
The
restriction of internet services by the military council has put the residents
in difficulties.
“Not to speak of internet, the telephone connectivity is also disrupted. Now it’s
difficult to communicate. Some are using internet with IP Star but not telephone,” said a
resident, adding that the situation returns to normalcy and they want the
services back in order.
Starting
from 23 September 2021, the military council has restricted the internet
services in many townships in Rakhine and Chin state, including Paletwa.
“As
the internet is not working, various sectors like health, education and business get affected.
The authorities should consider it urgently,” he added.
In
2019, when the junta forces fought against the Arakan Army the internet was
restricted in Paletwa for the first time.
The
military council reopened the internet again after it. Even after the military
coup on 1 February 2021, the services resumed after a few days.
But
soon after the junta soldiers and Chin People’s Defense Force members got
engaged in gun fighting following which the services were restricted.
Due
to the restrictions, the money transfer services have been closed and the
consumers have to depend on conventional banks, said a businessman from Kyauk
Taw area.
“I
can’t use the internet to transfer money. Even I can’t send money with K-pay and hence I have
to depend on banks. Thus
we are facing difficulties,” he added.
The
disruption of internet services for a longer period has
been criticized by the conscious citizens. Many believe that it
is a practice of the military council to harass the people.
