Bhubaneswar: The Malkangiri district administration on Thursday extended the suspension of social media services in the district for another 12 hours, keeping the ban in force till 12 pm on December 12.
The restriction covers platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and X, and has been prolonged due to the sensitive law-and-order situation in the district.
This is the fourth consecutive extension. Internet services were first blocked on December 8 for 24 hours, followed by an 18-hour extension on December 9. Again, it was extended on December 10 for another 24 hours. The ban, which was set to end today, has now been prolonged by another 12 hours in view of the sensitive law-and-order situation.
The ban was implemented after violent clashes erupted between two villages over the recovery of a headless body on December 4, and has been extended to prevent the spread of inflammatory messages and maintain public order.
Meanwhile, Malkangiri District Collector Somesh Kumar Upadhyay personally visited the village to assess the situation.
The administration has taken stock of the destroyed houses, furniture, and damaged trees, and is providing assistance to the affected villagers.
Besides, a free kitchen has been arranged, and cooked food has been provided. Blankets have also been distributed to protect the villagers from the cold.
