Mobile internet access cut in nearly 90 townships across Myanmar: advocacy group

By Admin 09 May 2024

DMG Newsroom
9 May 2024, Sittwe

Myanmar’s military regime has cut off internet access and phone lines in 87 townships across the country since 2021, according to a report released by Athan, an advocacy group for freedom of expression in Myanmar on May 7.

Among the internet blackouts, Sagaing Region tallied the most townships at 27, and Arakan State had the second most with 17 townships.

The regime has imposed internet shutdowns in nine townships in Shan State, eight in Kachin State, seven in Chin State, five in Kayah State, four each in Tanintharyi and Magway regions, three in Bago Region and one each in Mandalay Region and Mon and Kayin states.

Athan said the regime’s cutting off of internet access is used to cover up airstrikes, arbitrarily force young people into military service, constrain the flow of information, and block connections among resistance groups.

As a result of the internet blackouts, the report states that local news flow has stopped, there is daily fear of the junta airstrikes, a loss of employment opportunities, and difficulty accessing financial services and getting aid including food for displaced people.

“Shutting down the phone and internet seems like an ideal situation for the regime to commit war crimes. During this period, there was no information flow in Arakan State at all. The difficulties of displaced people are not recognised by the international community, and it is difficult to get assistance,” said a social activist in Arakan State.

The journalists who are presenting and writing the local news in real time to inform the public are also having difficulty due to the disconnection of the phone line.

“Since renewed fighting in Arakan State broke out, the regime has cut communication lines, so it has become quite difficult to get information. It is quite difficult to find out about the regime’s war crimes and what is happening all over the country,” said a reporter in Arakan State.

Local people are facing difficulties in their daily lives including lack of cash due to the stagnation of local businesses and financial circulation systems triggered by the junta’s internet suppression.