Kolkata: Internet services have been suspended until March 17 in Sainthia town, located in Birbhum district of West Bengal, following clashes between two groups. The suspension was implemented after tensions erupted in the area, though official communications from the state government have carefully avoided mentioning the cause of the unrest.
In a notification issued by the office of the Principal Secretary to the State Home & Hill Affairs Department, the decision to suspend internet services was attributed to “recent events in some areas.” The notification, which does not specifically refer to the clashes, stated that the suspension was put in place due to concerns over potential “unlawful activities” in Sainthia and surrounding areas.
The internet shutdown, which took effect on Friday, also affects voiceover internet telephony services. The notification indicated that the suspension was a precautionary measure, based on information suggesting the possibility of unlawful activities in the absence of such measures.
Local sources have linked the clashes to disputes between two groups over the celebration of Holi, known as Dolyatra in West Bengal. The violence reportedly spread to other areas of Sainthia and its vicinity, prompting the administration to implement the internet ban.
Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari criticized the suspension, stating that it reflected the deteriorating law and order situation in the state and highlighted the administration’s failure to control the situation. Adhikari also pointed to similar incidents of unrest in other parts of West Bengal, including Tamluk and Nandakumar in his home district of East Midnapore.
He accused the state government of attempting to downplay the situation and avoid political repercussions by withholding details of communal flare-ups. Adhikari urged the Union Home Ministry to request a report from the state’s Chief Secretary, urging transparency about the unfolding events.
As tensions remain high, the internet shutdown serves as a reminder of the ongoing security concerns in the region.