New Delhi: Internet service continues to remain suspended in Amalapuram in Andhra Pradesh, five days after the town witnessed violence over renaming the Konaseema district as Dr BR Ambedkar district, news agency IANS reported. In a bid to check the spread of false messages on social media, the internet service was snapped as a precautionary measure on Tuesday. Violence erupted in the Andhra town on May 24 during a protest called by Konaseema Parirakshana Samiti. Houses of a state minister and an MLA were set on fire, and several people were injured.
As per the report, the Dalit Hakkula Porata Samithi (DHPS) has decided to hold a Maha dharna and a public meeting on June 2, demanding the renaming of the district due to which the internet service is not likely to be restored anytime soon.
Internet services continue to remain suspended in Amalapuram, Mummidivaram, Kothapeta, P. Gannavaram and Rajoule constituencies.
Desperate to use internet services, people can be seen gathering in areas with internet signals. They are also seen to be heading towards areas along Godavari river and even crossing island villages in neighbouring West Godavari district.
Due to the ongoing crisis, internet-based services such as banking operations, ATM services and all other digital operations have been badly hit.
Notably, preliminary investigation has revealed that two dominant castes in the district -- Kapu and Setti Balija -- came together to oppose the decision to rename Konaseema district after Ambedkar.
Police have also found that some people had sent anti-social messages through at least 20 WhatsApp groups for four days before the violence in Amalapuram.
Out of 100 suspects, 19 have been arrested so far, while 27 others are in custody.
In the wake of violence, police have also stepped up security in the district headquarters town and deployed a huge force.
It is to be noted that the Andhra Pradesh government on May 18 had issued a notification inviting objections and suggestions on the proposal to rename Konaseema district after Dr Ambedkar.
It had sought suggestions and objections from the people residing within the district.