TURA: The Meghalaya government has imposed a temporary ban on mobile internet services across West Garo Hills district as a precautionary measure to prevent communal tensions from escalating ahead of the elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
The order was issued by Principal Secretary to the Government, F. R. Kharkongor, following reports submitted by West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Agarwal and Superintendent of Police Abraham T. Sangma regarding incidents linked to the filing of nominations for the council polls.
According to the official order, several incidents with the potential to disturb public peace and tranquility were reported in Tura during the nomination process. Authorities warned that the situation could pose a serious threat to public safety and may lead to a breakdown of law and order if not addressed promptly.
Officials reported cases of alleged assaults on civilians, the gathering of large crowds, and the circulation of misinformation on social media platforms—factors that could potentially trigger communal disharmony.
The order further stated that messaging services such as WhatsApp, along with social media platforms including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram, could be used to circulate images, videos, and text capable of inciting unrest or provoking violence.
To prevent the misuse of these platforms, the state government invoked provisions under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, directing telecom service providers to suspend mobile internet data services across West Garo Hills district.
Authorities have stated that the suspension is a preventive measure aimed at maintaining peace and ensuring that the election process proceeds smoothly.
