Chirang (Assam) [India], January 21 (HBTV): The Assam government on Tuesday ordered the suspension of internet and mobile data services in Chirang district following escalating tensions linked to a road incident in neighbouring Kokrajhar district on January 19.
According to an official notification, the incident occurred on Mansingh Road under the Karigaon outpost of Kokrajhar Police Station, when a vehicle carrying three Bodo individuals collided with two Adivasi persons. The situation escalated, with the Bodo individuals allegedly assaulted by local Adivasi villagers and the vehicle set on fire.
The notification stated that the deterioration in law and order in parts of Chirang district was a fallout of the Kokrajhar incident. It further said that members of both the Bodo and Adivasi communities later blocked the National Highway near the Karigaon outpost, burned tyres, set fire to a few houses and an office building, and attacked the Karigaon police outpost.
An official order said the measures were taken to maintain public peace and prevent further violence. The Assam government has deployed the Rapid Action Force to contain the situation and prevent its spread to other areas.
Assam Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Tewari issued the suspension order under the provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services Rules, 2017. The notification said there was a serious apprehension of a breach of public peace and the possibility of social media and the internet being used to spread inflammatory messages and rumours.
It said internet and mobile data services in Chirang district had been suspended with immediate effect until further orders, while voice calls and broadband services based on fixed telephone lines would remain functional.
The order warned that any violation would be punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, along with relevant provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
(ANI)