The Assam government on Tuesday suspended mobile internet services in Kokrajhar district amid tensions between the Bodo and the Adivasi communities after one person was killed in mob violence.
While mobile internet services were suspended indefinitely with immediate effect, broadband services will remain operational, the state’s additional chief secretary (home and political department) said in a notification.
The tensions erupted on Monday night, when a vehicle with three persons from the Bodo community hit two Adivasis in the Karigaon area of the district.
Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Akhilesh Singh told The Indian Express that after the two persons from the Adivasi community were hit, “others joined in to attack the people inside the vehicle”.
While one person, Sikhna Jwhwlao Bismit, succumbed to injuries sustained during the incident, four are being treated in hospital, the newspaper reported.
Kokrajhar Superintendent of Police Akhat Garg told The Indian Express that 19 persons had been detained in connection with the mob violence and the matter is being investigated.
However, the incident led to tensions between the two communities on Tuesday. They blocked the national highway near Karigaon, burnt tyres, and set houses and an office building on fire, the additional chief secretary said in the notification. The police outpost in Karigaon was also attacked.
The Rapid Action Force was being deployed to restore law and order, the administration said.
The Assam government said that mobile internet was being suspended because social media could be used to spread inflammatory messages and rumours that may further disturb the situation.
Kokrajhar is part of the Bodo-dominated Bodoland Territorial Region, an autonomous division of Assam.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that arrangements have been made to deploy the Army in the area to help maintain law and order.
Mobile internet was also being suspended in the neighbouring Chirang district, Sarma said.
The Assam Police said on Tuesday evening that the situation in Karigaon was under control.
“We urge all sections of society to remain calm and not fall for rumours or misinformation that is being spread by anti-national elements,” the police said, adding that persons “attempting to disturb harmony and create panic” will be identified and dealt with strictly.
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