Guwahati: At least two people were killed and dozens of others, including police personnel, were injured as fresh violence erupted in Assam’s West Karbi Anglong district on Tuesday amid protests against alleged encroachment by outsiders.
In response to the unrest, the Assam government temporarily suspended internet services in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts to prevent the spread of misinformation and maintain public order.
In an official order, the Home and Political Department said in the interest of maintaining greater public peace and tranquility, and to prevent any deterioration of the present situation, internet services have been temporarily suspended.
The suspension will remain in force until further orders.
“It is, however, clarified that voice calls and broadband connectivity based on fixed telephone lines shall remain functional during this period,” the order stated.
Social media platforms and internet services could be misused to circulate inflammatory messages and rumours, potentially worsening the situation, the order issued by the department’s Commissioner and Secretary Biswajit Pegu said.
It warned that any violation of the promulgation would invite punitive action in accordance with the law.
The body of a 25-year-old differently abled man, Suresh Dey, was recovered from a building that was set ablaze by the agitators while another local resident, identified as Chingthi Timung, was killed during the clash that erupted in Kherani area, police said.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he was closely monitoring the situation while expressing grief over the deaths in the unrest. “I am closely monitoring the situation in West Karbi Anglong. It is deeply painful that two persons lost their lives during today’s unrest,” Sarma said in a post on X.
He added that additional security forces will be deployed in Kherani area on Wednesday to maintain peace.
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“We are in constant touch with all concerned to restore normalcy and resolve issues through dialogue. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The government will stand with all affected families and provide all necessary support,” the CM said.
