Internet access restored in Paletwa as fresh disruptions reported in other parts of Myanmar

IDPs taking temporary shelter on a river bank (Photo: CHRO)

5 February 2021 – The authorities have restored mobile internet access in conflict-affected Paletwa Township, Chin State since early Wednesday, reversing a ban that has been in place since mid 2019.

A resident in Paletwa Town, told the Chinland Guardian: “We have got an internet access this morning although we are not sure about the reasons. But connection is not stable. We are happy and at the same time also a bit concerned.”

The unexpected move, which came just two days after the military coup, was greeted with mixed feelings as some local residents are welcoming of the lifting of the ban while others are more skeptical about the security aspect.

Kyaw Aung, a local youth activist, who was interviewed by the Chin World Media described the lifting of the ban as a positive development that would enable locals to share and update information about the situation in their local areas.

The lifting of the nearly two-year ban came as internet access in most other parts of the country was blocked by the Myanmar Transport and Telecommunications Department almost immediately following the military coup on Monday February 1, 2021.

Internet access had been blocked in Paletwa Township and parts of Rakhine State since June 2019 following intensified armed clashes between Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army. – Reporting by Thawng Zel Thang.