Internet services were suspended for 48 hours Thursday afternoon – till 3 pm on Saturday – in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly division amid ongoing tension over the ‘I love Muhammad’ poster row and in light of Dussehra and Durga Puja festivities this weekend. Police have been asked to be vigilant at grounds hosting Ramlila and Ravan Dahan shows, which draw massive crowds. In the order announcing the internet shutdown, the district administration said ‘there is a possibility of social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp… being misused to spread rumours and incite communal tension.’ The step was taken to maintain peace, it said.
About The Author
