Tura, March 9: The Government of Meghalaya has ordered a 48-hour suspension of mobile internet data services in West Garo Hills district beginning 12:00 a.m. on March 10, 2026, following incidents in Tura linked to the filing of nominations for the upcoming General Election of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, 2026.
According to a notification issued by the Home (Political) Department, reports from the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of West Garo Hills indicated several incidents on March 9 that could disturb public peace and tranquility and potentially lead to a breakdown of law and order in the district.
The reports also mentioned incidents of assault on civilians, gathering of large crowds, and the spread of misinformation through social media that could create social disharmony between communities.
The government stated that messaging services such as WhatsApp and social media platforms including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube and Instagram could potentially be used to circulate photos, videos and messages capable of aggravating the situation.
The order, issued by F. R. Kharkongor, Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Home (Political) Department, invokes provisions under Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 read with the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017.
Under the order, mobile internet data services of all mobile service providers will remain suspended for 48 hours in West Garo Hills district. Authorities warned that any violation of the notification will attract penal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and other relevant provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act.
