In a bid to control escalating tensions between two communities in Bihar’s Jamui district, authorities have suspended internet services for 72 hours starting Monday.
The decision was made after violent clashes on Sunday evening, which led to a law-and-order crisis. The police reported that the situation necessitated the action to prevent further unrest.
The state government instructed the district administration to enforce the ban under Section 5 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
The internet suspension, effective until 4 a.m. on February 20, affects several popular platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, WeChat, Google, Skype, Snapchat, Telegram, YouTube, and other social networking sites.
This precautionary measure aims to curb the spread of rumors and ensure public safety.
A notification issued by the state’s additional chief secretary explained the reasoning behind the internet shutdown. According to the notification, the district magistrate (DM) and superintendent of police (SP) of Jamui reported that anti-social elements in the region could use the internet to spread objectionable content.
The authorities warned that such actions could incite communal disharmony, lead to violence, and endanger public safety. The government stated that it took this measure to protect life and property and maintain peace.
Munger Range DIG, Rakesh Kumar, added that the decision was made due to the ongoing violence and the increasing spread of rumors through internet-based applications. Platforms like social media, YouTube channels, and unverified news portals were identified as key sources of misinformation.
The police have already filed two separate FIRs based on reports from both communities involved in the clashes. As of now, eight people have been arrested in connection with the incident. The DM and SP have visited the affected areas to assess the situation, and additional security forces, along with magistrates, have been deployed at key locations, including the Jhajha police station and Jamui town.
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The violent incident occurred at Baliadih village in Jhajha, where anti-social elements allegedly attacked a procession led by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Hindu Swabhimaan Sangthan. The group, returning from a Hanuman temple, was assaulted with sticks and rods, and stones were thrown.
Several vehicles, including cars and motorcycles, were damaged in the attack. More than six individuals sustained injuries in the incident, with the injured identified as Nitish Kumar Sao, Khushbu Pandey, Pintu Kumar, Madhavlal Kashyap, Suraj Barnwal, and others.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and working to ensure stability in the region.
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