Shillong, Jan 15 (UNI) Stating that access to the internet is a fundamental right, Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Wednesday said the suspension of the internet is also to ensure safety and security of the people, which is also a fundamental right.

Tynsong’s statement is significant after the Supreme Court declared that access to the internet is protected under Article 19 of the Constitution.

“Yes, the Supreme Court has said that access to the internet is a fundamental right, but at the same time we also need to appreciate the fundamental rights of the 96-97 per cent of the people as they also need to live peacefully,” he said.

However, he said that the government suspends the internet to ensure the safety and security of the people, which is also a fundamental right.
Stating that social media plays both positive and negative roles, Tynsong, however, said that only two-three per cent of the users misuse it by spreading rumours and blowing up even small incidents which could then jeopardise the law and order situation.
“If one isolated incident happens in one locality, it does not mean that the whole Shillong should burn. If circumstances arise where the government has to suspend internet service it is not done for its own interest, but for that of the people”, he said. “It is not done blindly but only after proper assessment of the situation”, he said.
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