Mangaluru: In the aftermath of the violent protests that broke out here in the city, a state government notification has been issued, informing of a 48-hour suspension of mobile internet services. Additionally, the curfew has been extended till December 22 for the whole city.
Regarding the suspension of the internet, Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, GoK, Dr Rajneesh Goel in a notification said, “Director General and Inspector General of Police, Karnataka has requested that in view of violent incidents in Mangalore City, internet services may be suspended in the jurisdiction of Mangalore City Police Commissionerate and Dakshina Kannada District for the next 48 hours.”
He added, “Therefore, in order to prevent the misuse of the social media platforms to disturb the peace and tranquillity and for maintaining the law and order situation, I hereby promulgate this Notification under the provision of Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, read with the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Service (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017 to prohibit the mobile Internet data Service of all Mobile Service Providers for the next 48 hours beginning from 10.00 PM of 19th December, 2019, in the jurisdiction of Mangaluru City and Dakshina Kannada District.”
The notification was addressed to all nodal officers of mobile operators in Karnataka.
Lathi-charge near Highland Hospital
Meanwhile, lathi-charge was witnessed at the Highland Hospital after the bodies of the two deceased civilians arrived.
The police resorted to lathi-charge as people were reportedly gathered in large numbers, a violation of the prohibitory orders.
High ranking officials to visit city, assess situation
It is also reported that high ranking officials are set to visit the city on Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa’s orders, to assess the situation.
The CM has reportedly directed DG/IGP Neelamani Raju to appoint high ranking officials to investigate the violent protests in the city.
