Arunachal government suspends internet services in Papumpare on call of 72-hour bandh

Digital Desk: The official announcement issued on May 9 by the Arunachal administration states that it has blocked internet connections in the state's Papumpare district to maintain law and order in the face of illegal bandh and the threat of violence.   

Internet access has been suspended from 7 p.m. on May 9 until 6 p.m. on May 12.

''In response to the request of the Superintendent of Police, IC, via letter No. SPC/ITA/PA-CELL/2023 dated 09/05/2023 for the temporary suspension of mobile internet services by all TSPs and leased lines by all TSPs/ISPs (excluding leased lines of BSNL) in the districts of Papumpare City/ICR and Papumpare Rural to prevent the occurrence of serious law and order problems/threat to human The mobile internet services of all TSPs and leased lines of all TSPs/ISPs (excluding leased lines of BS) in the districts of Papumpare City/IC and Papumpare Rural are hereby temporarily suspended from 1900 hrs of 09/05/2023 till 1800 hrs of 12/05/2023 in the interest of public emergency and safety,'' the notification mentioned.

The notification also requested that the Deputy Commissioner, Papumpare City or IC, and Papumpare Rural deliver the required instructions to all authorities of telecom service providers or internet service providers for the aforesaid directions to be followed.

Talo Potom, the Deputy Commissioner of Itanagar's capital district, has declared the intended three-day band call by a group of individuals "illegal" on May 9.

He further stated that 144 CrPC will go into effect at 10 p.m. on May 9 and that a flag march would be held to promote awareness among citizens about Bandh culture. 

Meanwhile, on May 7, Arunachal Home Minister Bamang Felix stated that there are alternative peaceful democratic ways to address grievances without resorting to bandh culture, which disrupts economic activities. 

He concluded by saying ''I must begin by expressing my deep worry about bandh culture. These bandhs disrupt daily life and cause hardship for everyone. If violence erupts, this commonly disrupts economic activity and can result in the loss of private property and injury to stakeholders. There are peaceful ways to draw attention to any issue.''