Meghalaya: Suspension of Internet Services Extended Till November 26

SHILLONG: In the light of the volatile situation following the Assam-Meghalaya border firing incident that claimed six lives including one Assam Forest Guard, the Meghalaya government has decided to extend the suspension of internet services until November 26.

Internet services were initially suspended for 48 hours in 7 districts of West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills, Ri - Bhoi, Eastern West Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, and South West Khasi Hills Districts in Meghalaya, following the incident near Mukrong village in West Karbi Anglong district on November 22 morning.

Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma had decided to call off the 2nd edition of the Shillong Literary Festival after he had organised an emergency meeting with his ministers and consulted the village headmen and religious leaders on November 22. This was the starting day of the Cherry Blossom Festival that had already attracted a huge crowd to Shillong. All other festivals had been cancelled as well.

Moreover, a press release was circulated stating that internet services would remain banned for 48 hours considering the volatile situation in the region.

"Whereas, messaging systems like WhatsApp and social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube etc. are likely to be used for transmission of information through pictures, videos and text, having the potential to cause a serious breakdown of law and order. Therefore, in order to prevent the misuse of the above-mentioned media to disturb peace and tranquillity in the State of Meghalaya and for maintaining law and order, I, C. V. D. Diengdoh, IAS, Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Home (Police) Department do hereby promulgate this notification 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 to prohibit the following types of media for the next 48 (Forty-Eight) hours beginning from 10:30 am on 22' November 2022 in the 7 (seven) districts of Meghalaya namely, West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills, Ri — Bhoi, Eastern West Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, and South West Khasi Hills Districts," the notification read.

It was also added that violation of this promulgation will be punishable under section 188 IPC and also under the relevant provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act, of 1885.

The suspension of internet services, till Thursday, has been extended by another two days, till November 26.

Also read: Meghalaya: Govt, TMC Provide Ex-Gratia Support To Kin Of Mukroh Firing Incident Victims

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