The State Government on Wednesday suspended Internet services in Kendrapada town for the next 48 hours amid possible escalation of communal tension during Eid-ul-Fitr.
The preventive measure was taken by the Home Department to check spread of any communal tension after false and inflammatory messages were circulated on social media platforms including WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter. The Internet shutdown was forced under the provisions of Section 5(2) of Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 read with rule 2(1) of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency/Public Safety) rules, 2017 to prohibit the use and access of the Internet and data services including WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter and other social media for the next 48 hours from 11:30 am on June 5 in Kendrapada town and the adjoining areas, the department stated.