Curfew in Shillong, restriction on internet services in six districts following clash in Shella

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 28, 2020

The state government has decided to impose curfew in Shillong and temprorarily suspended SMS of all media service providers and mobile internet/data services of all mobile services providers in the six districts of Khasi and Jaintia Hills region from Friday night. 

This came hours after a clash broke out between KSU activists and non-tribals during an anti-CAA meeting held at Ichamati, Shella. 

In her order, East Khasi Hills deputy commissioner Matsiewdor War said the curfew will be promulgated in SHillong agglomeration and adjoining areas with effect from 10 pm of February 28 to 8 am of February 29. 

In a notification, Secretary of Home (Police), CVD Diengdoh said, “…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 hours beginning form 10 pm on February 28 in the six districts of Meghalaya East Jaintia Hills, West Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills, Ri Bhoi, West Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills.” 

“SMS of all mobile service providers will be limited to five SMSs per day and mobile internet/data services of all mobile service providers,” he said. 

The notification said that reports have been received that law and order situation has arisen in East Khasi Hills District including incidents of vandalism and arson which have a potential to disturb public peace and tranquility and cause a threat to public safety. 

It said messaging system like SMS and whatsapp and social media platforms like facebook, twitter, and youtube are likely to be used for transmission of information through pictures, videos and text and have the potential to cause serious breakdown of law and order.