Mobile internet services suspended in 7 districts of Meghalaya

The Meghalaya government today suspended mobile internet services in seven districts of Khasi-Jaintia Hills region after intelligence inputs raised concerns over the law and order situation in those areas.

The suspension order was issued at 3 pm today, three days after it was lifted, and will remain in force for 48 hours, Secretary, Home (Police) Department, S Kharlyngdoh said.

The decision was taken based on Director General of Police S B Singh's report, which suggested that "serious law and order situation concerns" still remain in the seven districts of Khasi-Jaintia Hills region, he told PTI.

"Mobile internet, in that case, can likely be used to transmit information that has potential to incite violence in the region again," Kharlyngdoh said.

The state capital came in the grip of violence for five days following clashes between Sikhs and Khasis in the city's Punjabi Lane area on May 31.

The tension spread to other areas, after rumours related to the clashes were circulated on social media.

The administration had to impose curfew on Shillong and suspend Internet services to control the situation.

The suspension was, however, lifted on June 13 after the government was convinced that the situation has improved, 12 days after it was banned on June 1.