Kokrajhar, 20 January (HS): The Assam government has suspended mobile internet data services across Kokrajhar district with immediate effect following a serious deterioration in the law and order situation triggered by communal tension.
According to an official notification, the incident occurred on the night of January 19, when a Scorpio vehicle carrying three Bodo individuals hit two Adivasi persons on Mansingh Road under Karigaon outpost of Kokrajhar police station. Following the incident, the occupants of the vehicle were allegedly assaulted by nearby Adivasi villagers and the Scorpio vehicle was set ablaze.
The situation escalated rapidly, leading to heightened tension between Bodo and Adivasi communities. Protesters blocked the National Highway adjacent to the Karigaon outpost, burnt tyres, torched a few houses, set fire to an office building and allegedly attacked the Karigaon outpost.
To contain the unrest and prevent further escalation, the Rapid Action Force (RAF) has been deployed in the area. The administration has expressed serious apprehension of breach of public peace and tranquility in the district.
Citing concerns that social media and internet services could be misused to spread rumours and inflammatory messages, the state government invoked provisions under Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 read with the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017 to prohibit mobile internet data services in Kokrajhar until further orders.
The notification clarified that voice call services and broadband connectivity through fixed telephone lines will remain operational during the suspension period. Any violation of the order will attract penal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, along with relevant provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
The order has been issued by Additional Chief Secretary, Home and Political Department, Ajay Tewari, by order and in the name of the Governor of Assam.
Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
