Tripura: Mobile internet suspended in Dhalai after death of tribal youth

Mobile internet services have been suspended in Tripura’s Dhalai district for 24 hours to stop rumors after tension flared between different communities over the death of a tribal youth in Gandatwisa, nearly 112 kilometers from the capital on Friday.

In a release, Tripura Home Secretary PK Chakraborty said, “…..it has been reported by the District Magistrate and Collector, Dhalai District that on July 12, 2024 some kind of severe mob violence took place in Gandacharra sub-division where burning of shops were reported and till date the situation has not returned to normal and whereas, messaging system like SMS and whatsApp and social media platform like Facebook, Twitter and You Tube are likely to be used for broadcasting fake information like pictures , images, videos and texts that have the potential to incite violence on a larger scale….”

Chakraborty, in the release, said, “The State has issued notification under the provision of Section 52 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, to ban SMS messages of all mobile service providers, mobile internet or data service of all service providers mobile from midnight 12/07/2024 to next day 13/07/2024 12:00 (Midnight) throughout Dhalai District.”

The deceased, identified as Parameshwar Reang, was injured following a collision that took place at a local fair in Gandatwisa five days ago. He succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at the Govind Ballabh Pant (GBP) Hospital on Friday.

A large contingent of police was deployed in the area to bring the situation under control after three-four shops were uprooted and several houses were damaged.

According to those familiar with the matter, some residents of the area threw stones at the police when the latter went there.

“There was tension in some areas (andatwisa) after the youth’s body reached his residence,” a senior police official said on condition of anonymity.

Speaking on the matter, Dhalai District Magistrate Saju Waheed said that an altercation broke out between two local youths five days ago in which one of them was injured and he succumbed to his injuries on Friday.

“After this (the death of the youth) there was tension in the area. The situation is under control. We have imposed Article 144 for 2-3 days from yesterday. The peace meetings were held in the localities,” said the official.

Later, the Dhalai police appealed to people to refrain from posting, sharing and expressing any common sentiments regarding the incident.

“An untoward incident has occurred resulting in the death of one person, the incident is being used by some anti-social elements to incite hatred and commit acts such as arson and looting, it is to inform all citizens of Tripura that all senior officers along with sufficient security forces are camping and patrolling in Ganda Twisa and the situation is under control. In this regard, prohibitory orders U/S -163 BNSS have been issued by SDM Ganda twisa, prohibiting gathering of more than five persons in and around Gonda twisa subdivision. Please refrain from posting, sharing, expressing any communal sentiment as it would constitute an offense under the BNS and IT Act, any deviation will be dealt with strictly,” Dhalai police wrote on X.

Appealing to everyone to maintain peace, Tripura’s ruling BJP alliance partner TIPRA Motha party founder Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma said the government will take strict action over Reang’s death.

“I condemn the killing of Parmeshwar Reang in Gandatwisa. I have personally spoken to the High Police Authority and requested that the culprits be charged under the relevant CPC. He also appeals for peace and restraint, he will personally go to meet the family. We demand justice!” Pradyot wrote on his Facebook account.