The Odisha government suspended internet services in Bhadrak district for 48 hours till September 30, following violent communal clashes linked to social media postings, as per media reports.
In the official order, the state's additional chief secretary, Satyabrata Sahu, said the home department has extended the prohibition on the use and access of social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, X and others via the internet and data services for 48 hours, until 2am on September 30, 2024, in Bhadrak district.
The government order said, “Whereas, it has come to the notice of the State Government that in recent past there have been various violent communal incidents in Bhadrak and Dhamnagar areas due to social media postings; And whereas the District Administration has expressed concern of misuse of internet for spreading communal violence; Whereas, messaging platforms like Whatsapp, Facebook, X and other such media etc. have the potential to inflame communal tension thereby leading to acts causing disturbance of public order in Bhadrak district; Now therefore, in order to prevent the spread of such inflammatory and motivated messages to circulate in the above mentioned media to disturb the public order in whole Bhadrak district and restore peace and amity.”
The recent unrest in Bhadrak, Odisha, reflects the region's communal sensitivities, particularly around religious sentiments on social media. The situation escalated following a protest against a Facebook post, resulting in clashes between protestors and law enforcement, which led to injuries and property damage.
Authorities had to impose prohibitory orders and suspend internet services under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Telecom Services Suspension Rules, 2017, to prevent further violence.
The incident recalls the 2017 clashes in Bhadrak, where a similar issue led to widespread destruction and a prolonged curfew, showcasing the delicate communal balance in the town.
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