In response to violent communal clashes triggered by social media posts, the Odisha government has imposed a 48-hour suspension of internet services in Bhadrak district.
The shutdown, which began at 2 AM on September 28, 2024, will continue until 2 AM on September 30, 2024. This move comes as authorities seek to regain control over rising tensions in the area following a protest that escalated into violence.
The decision to cut off internet services was announced by Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrata Sahu and is aimed at preventing further unrest. The communal clashes began after a controversial Facebook post, sparking protests that spiraled into violent confrontations. Injuries have been reported, and additional police forces have been deployed in the district to maintain order.
Internet Services Suspended to Prevent Spread of Violence
The government’s order to suspend internet services falls under Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and Rule 2(1) of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency/Public Safety) Rules, 2017. The order specifically targets the misuse of social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter), which authorities believe could further incite violence.
“The misuse of the internet for spreading communal violence has necessitated this suspension to prevent the circulation of inflammatory messages and to restore peace in Bhadrak,” the official government order stated. The suspension covers all mobile internet services, social media, and broadband connections in the district. The objective is to prevent the spread of misinformation or any inflammatory content that could exacerbate the situation.
The district of Bhadrak has a history of communal tensions, with incidents dating back to April 2017 when similar violence broke out after an inflammatory social media post. The recent unrest underscores the ongoing sensitivity of the region to communal provocations, particularly through online platforms.
Protests Turn Violent, Police Personnel Injured
The communal clashes were sparked on Friday after a community protested a controversial Facebook post that they believed insulted their religious beliefs. The protest soon escalated, leading to a violent confrontation between the crowd and police. Initial reports indicate that stone-pelting took place, resulting in injuries to police officers attempting to manage the situation.
Over 600 protesters blocked the Santhia bridge, prompting police intervention. In the ensuing chaos, a deputy superintendent of police and a sub-inspector sustained injuries, and damage to local property was reported. The stone-pelting incident marked a significant escalation in the unrest, necessitating the deployment of additional law enforcement personnel to restore order.
Local authorities have expressed concerns about the potential for further clashes, particularly as tensions remain high in certain parts of the district. The government’s decision to deploy more police forces is a precautionary measure to ensure public safety and to prevent any further outbreak of violence.
Bhadrak’s History of Communal Tensions
The situation in Bhadrak is reminiscent of previous incidents of communal violence in the district. In April 2017, similar clashes erupted following another inflammatory social media post, leading to extensive property damage and a curfew that lasted for several days.
Bhadrak’s history of communal sensitivity has made it a flashpoint for tensions, particularly when it comes to matters related to religious sentiments.
The government’s current response reflects an understanding of the region’s volatile history and the potential for social media to aggravate such situations. By suspending internet services, authorities hope to prevent the spread of misinformation and halt the dissemination of inflammatory content that could provoke further unrest.
The decision to impose the internet blackout, though disruptive, is seen as a necessary step to ensure that communal tensions do not spiral out of control.
The Odisha government has emphasized its commitment to maintaining peace in Bhadrak, and further measures may be taken if the situation does not improve.
In the meantime, local leaders and community members are being urged to cooperate with the authorities in restoring calm to the area. With the internet shutdown in place and additional police presence on the ground, the government is hopeful that the situation will stabilize in the coming days.
However, the underlying tensions remain, and it will likely take time and continued efforts to ensure that peace is fully restored.
As Bhadrak navigates yet another episode of communal unrest, the government’s swift action, including the internet suspension, serves as a reminder of the volatile relationship between social media and real-world consequences in an increasingly connected world.
