Sambalpur: The Odisha government on Tuesday extended the suspension of internet services in the violent-hit Sambalpur district by another 24 hours till 10.00 am on Wednesday.
A notification issued by the Odisha Home Department in this connection read, “In continuation of Government in Home Department Notification No. 360/C Dated 13.4.2023, Notification No. 371/C Dated 15.04.2023 & Notification No. 377/C Dated 17.04.2023 and as per the recommendation of District Magistrate & Collector, Sambalpur, I, Sri Deoranjan Kumar Singh, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Home Department hereby extend the prohibition of the use and access of the following types of internet and data services including WhatsApp, FaceBook Twitter and other Social Media for further 24 hours up to 10.00 am on 19th April 2023 in Sambalpur District under the provisions of Section 5 (2) of Indian Telegraph Act 1885 read with Rule 2(1) of The Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency/ Public Safety) Rules, 2017”.
The decision was taken to curb the circulation of inflammatory messages and prevent misuse of social media, in the aftermath of violence during the Hanuman Jayanti motorcycle rally in the town.
The restriction on internet service has been imposed since April 13.
Meanwhile, curfew timings in Sambalpur Town have been relaxed in the town from 7.30 am to 11.30 am and 3.30 pm to 6.00 pm to allow people to purchase essential items.
It is worth mentioning here that a motorcycle rally was taken out in the town on April 12 on the occasion of the ‘Jhanda Sthapana’ ahead of the Hanuman Jayanti. Some people pelted stones at the participants of the rally while it was passing through Motijharan Square and it led to clashes between the two groups.
