Tripura government suspends internet, imposes Section 144 amid communal tensions

The Tripura government has taken drastic measures in response to rising communal tensions in the North District. Following reports of alleged temple vandalism, authorities suspended internet services and clamped 163 BNSS ( section 144 of the CrPC).

 

Home Secretary PK Chakraborty issued an order prohibiting various forms of communication for 72 hours, starting from 5 pm on October 15. The ban covers "SMS messages of all mobile service providers, mobile internet/data services of all mobile service providers, and all sorts of press messages" throughout the North Tripura District.

 

The order warns that violators will face punishment under Section 144 of the CrPC and relevant provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act and the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services Rules.

 

Speaking to India Today NE, North District Magistrate Debapriya Bardhan assured that the "situation is totally under control," while acknowledging the imposition of Section 144 in the district.

 

Addressing the root cause of the unrest, North District Superintendent of Police Bhanupada Chakraborty explained, "A rumour has spread that temples and mosques are coming under attack and people from both religions have joined." He added, "We have requested people to abstain from such information. Some more rumour-mongering is happening, and we are looking into it."

 

Chakraborty emphasised the need for peace and warned of legal action against those responsible for spreading misinformation. "We request everyone to maintain peace," he stated, highlighting the authorities' commitment to quelling the tensions and preventing further escalation.