Meghalaya has halted mobile internet services in seven districts for 48 hours following the death of six people, including an Assam forest officer, in a shooting along the boundary between the two states in Mukroh, West Jaintia Hills.
According to a statement issued by the Meghalaya government’s Home (Police) Department, mobile internet/data services have been blocked in seven districts of Meghalaya commencing at 10:30 am today.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma revealed today that six people died in the event, including five Meghalayans and one Assam Forest Guard.
According to the chief minister, “The injured have been taken to the hospital, and an inquest is being held. The Meghalaya police have filed a FIR.”
Meanwhile, Meghalaya government issued the following notification today stating “Reports have been received from police headquarters, Meghalaya, Shillong, that an untoward incident has occurred in Mukroh, West Jaintia Hills, Jowai, with the potential to disturb public peace and tranquility, and cause a threat to public safety in West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, Eastern West Khas
CVD Diengdoh, Secretary to the Home (Police) Department, Meghalaya, has issued this notification to prevent the misuse of media (WhatsApp and social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube) to disrupt peace and serenity in the state of Meghalaya and to preserve law and order.
Telecom and social media services will be suspended in the following Meghalaya districts: West Jaintia Hills, East Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, Eastern West Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, and South West Khasi Hills.
The announcement said that anyone who violated the proclamation would face penalties under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) as well as the associated sections of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
