Govt extends suspension of internet services in Assam by 48 hours as protests intensify

Thousands of people in Guwahati defied curfew and took to the streets protesting against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which was passed by the Parliament on Wednesday.

Activists raise slogans during a protest against Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), in Guwahati | PTI photo

Guwahati: Suspension of internet services in ten districts of Assam was extended for 48 hours on Thursday, beginning 12 pm, to prevent “misuse” of social media to disturb peace and tranquility, and to maintain law and order, officials said.

Internet services will remain suspended in Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Charaideo, Sivasagar, Jorhat, Golaghat, Kamrup (Metro) and Kamrup, Additional Chief Secretary (Home and Political department) Sanjay Krishna told PTI.

Internet services were suspended at 7 pm on Wednesday amid massive protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

Thousands of people defied curfew in Guwahati and took to the streets, prompting police to open fire, even as protests against the contentious Bill intensified in the state.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill seeks to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees coming from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan after facing religious persecution there.