Assam: Mobile Internet Suspended in Kokrajhar Amid Violent Clashes Between Two Communities

Kokrajhar: The Assam Government has imposed an immediate suspension of mobile internet and data services across Kokrajhar district following a law and order situation reportedly triggered by violent clashes between Bodo and Adivasi communities on the night of January 19.

The unrest erupted after an SUV carrying three Bodo individuals allegedly struck two Adivasi persons on Mansingh Road under the Karigaon outpost of Kokrajhar Police Station.

In retaliation, local villagers reportedly assaulted the vehicle occupants and set the Scorpio on fire, escalating tensions rapidly.

The incident quickly spiralled into widespread violence, with members of both communities blocking the National Highway near the Karigaon outpost, burning tyres, torching several houses, setting an office building ablaze, and attacking the police outpost. Reports indicate that police resorted to firing and using tear gas to bring the situation under control.

At least one person has been confirmed dead, with four others sustaining serious injuries, and some sources suggest up to two fatalities involving individuals from both sides.

Citing serious apprehensions of further breaches of public peace and the potential misuse of social media to spread inflammatory messages, rumours, and misinformation that could aggravate the situation, the government (Home & Political Department), issued a notification under Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, read with the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017.

The order prohibits internet and mobile data services from all mobile service providers in the Kokrajhar district with immediate effect and until further orders. Voice calls and broadband connectivity via fixed telephone lines will, however, remain operational.

Violations of the suspension order will attract punishment under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, as well as relevant provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.

Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel have been deployed to contain the violence and prevent further escalation.

Also Read: Assam: Kokrajhar Tense After Brutal Mob Killing; Arson, Highway Blockade Trigger Heavy Security Deployment