Breaking: Assam Govt Suspends Mobile Internet for 24 Hours

Guwahati, December 11, 2019:

In view of the ongoing protests against the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, the Assam Government has suspended mobile internet services in several districts of the State for 24 hours. The suspension shall come into effect at 7 pm today.

ALSO READ: Assam: Protest Against Citizenship Bill Reaches Fever-Pitch in Dibrugarh

In an order by the Governor of Assam, it was stated, "under the provision of Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, read with the temporary suspension of telecom services (public emergency or public safety) rule, 2017, to prohibit the mobile internet/date service of all mobile service providers for the next 24 hours beginning from 7 pm of December 11th to December 12th 7 pm, in Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sibsagar, Johat, Golaghat, Kamrup (M) and Kamrup districts of Assam."

"Reports in electronic media show that protesters are involved in vandalism which is likely to spread and create serious law and order situation in the state. Whereas, social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, and YouTube etc are likely to be used for spreading rumours and also for transmission of information like pictures, videos, and texts that have potential to inflame passions and thus exacerbate the law and order situation", the order further stated.

ALSO READ: Breaking: Assam Secretariat Employees Join Protest Against CAB

It may be mentioned here the Tripura Government too has imposed a 48-hour ban on mobile internet in the State.

This order has come at a time when the entire state is burning in protests over the controversial legislation. Chaos has reigned supreme in Assam capital Dispur, as protesters clashed with security personnel outside the Assam Assembly. Vandalism was also reported from various other districts and angry protesters numbering in the thousands took to the streets demanding the scrapping of the Bill.

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