Internet Services Halted in Parts of Birbhum Until March 17
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Synopsis
Internet services in Sainthia, Birbhum district of West Bengal, have been suspended until March 17 due to clashes between two groups. The government cites concerns over potential illegal activities as the reason for the ban, which has drawn criticism from opposition leaders.
Key Takeaways
- Internet services suspended in Sainthia until March 17.
- Decision made due to fears of unlawful activities.
- Clashes reportedly related to Holi celebrations.
- Opposition leaders criticize government's handling of the situation.
- Local sources indicate tensions are high in the region.
Kolkata, March 15 (NationPress) Internet services have been halted until March 17 in Sainthia town, situated in Birbhum district of West Bengal, due to altercations between two factions.
However, the announcement from the office of the Principal Secretary to the State Home & Hill Affairs Department has notably omitted any mention of the clashes. Instead, the notification, a copy of which is accessible to IANS, states that the suspension of internet services was enacted "in light of recent occurrences in various regions."
The prohibition of internet transmissions and voiceover internet telephony was enacted on Friday.
The notification further details that this restriction was established due to fears that such services could be utilized for "illegal activities in the geographical area" surrounding the Sainthia town and its neighboring regions.
According to the notification, the state government justified the decision to suspend internet services based on intelligence regarding unlawful conduct.
"And whereas, analysis of the received information provides grounds to suspect that such unlawful activities are likely to arise without preventive measures," the notification stated.
Although administrative officials remain tight-lipped about the rationale behind the internet suspension in Sainthia, local sources indicate that tensions escalated following a clash between two groups during the celebration of the Holi festival, commonly referred to as Dolyatra in West Bengal.
By nightfall, the clashes extended to several other areas in Sainthia and its vicinity, prompting the administration to enforce the internet ban.
According to the Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, the internet service restrictions not only signify a deteriorating law and order situation in the state but also reflect an admission of ineffectiveness on the part of the administration to manage the circumstances.
He noted that altercations also erupted in Tamluk and Nandakumar in his home district of East Midnapore, along with various other locations across West Bengal. He accused the state government of making efforts to conceal the incidents of communal unrest to maintain a favorable image.
Adhikari urged the Union Home Ministry to request a report from the state Chief Secretary.
"The Chief Secretary must provide an accurate report to the Union Home Ministry and the Governor's Office that details the genuine and truthful events transpiring across West Bengal in recent days," Adhikari stated.
