In what could be called an unprecedented move, mobile internet services including mobile net were suspended across Barak Valley since Friday evening in the aftermath of a group clash in Hailakandi in which at least 15 people were injured.
The Hailakandi district administration has clamped curfew across the district under section 144CrPc and heavy security has been deployed to restore normalcy. The suspension of internet services has been done to prevent spread of hate speeches mainly on social media platforms, sources said.
While subscribers of internet services of all other networks are of the view that they are unable to use internet services, even broadband, service operators have informed that the suspension is as per Government order and shall be effective till further instructions. A message regarding the stoppage of internet services as per Government instructions is also being circulated from the regional information desk to the mobile users.
“We have suspended our mobile internet services since 7 pm on Friday across Barak Valley stretching up to Dima Hasao and shall follow further notices from the Government in this regard,” a senior BSNL official told The Assam Tribune on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Hailakandi Deputy Commissioner Keerthi Jalli has appealed to the people not to subscribe to rumours and fan tension as situation is being restored. Cachar SP Mughdhajyoti Dev Mahanta has also claimed that situation in the district is absolutely normal and steps are being taken to ensure no unwanted incident breaks out.
