Darjeeling's Internet Shutdown: A Blow to Tourism and Economy

The hill resort of Darjeeling in eastern India has been grappling with an unprecedented internet shutdown, which has had severe implications for the local economy, particularly the tourism industry. The shutdown, which lasted for 100 days, was imposed by the West Bengal state government in an attempt to prevent mass gatherings and curb protests by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), a separatist movement demanding a separate state of "Gorkhaland." However, the ban on internet services and cable televisions has had far-reaching consequences, affecting communication, education, and access to essential services for residents.

The tourism industry in Darjeeling has been hit hard by the internet shutdown, as online bookings and transactions have come to a halt. This has led to a significant drop in tourist arrivals and a decline in business for local hotels and tour operators. The tea industry, another major contributor to the local economy, has also suffered, as the second and third flush of tea production, which are crucial for the industry's revenue, were severely impacted. The shutdown overlapped with the second and third flush, leading to a poor harvest and significant losses for tea estate owners.

The lack of internet access and cable television has also affected the daily lives of residents in Darjeeling. Students have been unable to access online resources for research or submit assignments, while businesses have struggled to communicate with customers and suppliers. Banks were left helpless during the shutdown, with no transactions being done, and people routinely missed bill payments. Those who had purchased new vehicles found themselves struggling to pay their monthly installments despite having cash in their accounts.

The internet ban has also had implications for freedom of expression and press freedom in Darjeeling. Journalists have found it difficult to communicate with their newsrooms and editors, as well as with sources and contacts. This has restricted the flow of information and news from the region. The order issued by the District Magistrate of Darjeeling to local news channels to stop reporting on the agitation has further limited the ability of journalists to cover the events unfolding in Darjeeling. This has effectively restricted reporting to newspapers from within the city, and verbal orders were given to e-papers to stop publishing.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has expressed concern over the internet shutdown and ban on cable televisions in Darjeeling, stating that such moves deny citizens their rights to access information and freedom of expression. The IFJ urges the Indian authorities to respect the rights of the citizens and journalists, and immediately restore access to media.

In conclusion, the internet shutdown in Darjeeling has had a significant impact on the local economy, particularly the tourism industry, and has also affected the daily lives of residents. The long-term effects of the shutdown on the region's economic growth are likely to be significant, as the tourism and tea industries are major contributors to the local economy. The shutdown may also have a negative impact on the region's reputation as a tourist destination, potentially leading to a further decline in tourist arrivals in the future. The implications for freedom of expression and press freedom in Darjeeling are also concerning, and the Indian authorities should take immediate action to restore access to media and respect the rights of citizens and journalists.