Bareilly turns fortress, net suspended amid tensions

Uttar Pradesh authorities on Thursday suspended Internet services across four districts in the Bareilly division of the state for 48 hours as security personnel took over the streets and drones monitored the skies amid ongoing tension over the “I love Muhammad” poster row and in light of Friday prayers and Dussehra festivities.

- HT Correspondent

According to a notification issued by the state home department, mobile internet, broadband and SMS services will remain suspended in Bareilly from 3pm on October 2 to 3pm on October 4.

Home secretary Gaurav Dayal said the order, issued under section 7 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, aimed to prevent the misuse of social media platforms to spread rumours or incite unrest. “The step was taken to maintain peace and public order,” the notification said.