The Meghalaya government has suspended mobile internet services across the Garo Hills Division following reports of violence and rising tensions linked to the upcoming Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.
According to a notification issued by the Home (Political) Department, the decision was taken after authorities received reports from the Police Headquarters and several Deputy Commissioners about incidents that could potentially disturb public peace and law and order in the region.
The notification said that “several incidents having a potential to disturb public peace and tranquillity have occurred in various parts of Garo Hills on March 11in connection with the issue of the GHADC elections.”
It further noted that incidents have been reported in Tura and other locations that could pose a threat to public safety and may lead to a breakdown of law and order in the districts of the Garo Hills Division.
The notification read, “Messaging system like WhatsApp and social media platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, etc. are likely to be used for transmission of information through pictures, videos and text, having the potential to cause serious breakdown of law and order.”
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In order to prevent the misuse of the above mentioned media to disturb peace and tranquility, the government has prohibited mobile internet data services of all mobile service providers in the Garo Hills Division with immediate effect until further orders.
The order was issued by F. R. Kharkongor, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Home (Political) Department under the provision of Section 5 (ii) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, read with the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017.
The suspension applies to all districts of Garo Hills Division – West Garo Hills, East Garo Hills, South Garo Hills, North Garo Hills, and South West Garo Hills with immediate effect and until further orders.
Violation of this promulgation will be punishable under section 223 BNS as well as relevant provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, he notification added.
