Tuticorin violence: Internet services suspended for five days

The government in an order said 'such messages led to a massive gathering of about 20,000 people yesterday in Tuticorin against Sterlite's copper plant which subsequently resulted in violence and police action.'

Demonstrators march to collectors office during a protest demanding the closure of a copper factory due to pollution concerns in Tuticorin on May 22, 2018. AFP

New Delhi: The Tamil Nadu government today ordered suspension of internet services in Tuticorin and adjoining districts of Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari for five days to prevent spread of rumours through social media and help bring public tranquility. Blaming provocative messages spread through social media, the government in an order said such messages led to a massive gathering of about 20,000 people yesterday in Tuticorin against Sterlite's copper plant which subsequently resulted in violence and police action. Noting that anti-social elements were trying to exploit the situation, the government directed nodal officers of Internet Service Providers in these three districts to suspend internet services till May 27 effective from today. Passing the order under Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017 -Stoppage of internet services- the government said a public emergency has arisen necessitating immediate action to bring public tranquility. Citing a communique in this respect from the Director General of Police, the order said "it is felt necessary that the services of internet should be stopped/curtailed to prevent spread of such rumours." Also, the government said the temporary restriction was in the interest of maintaining public order and preventing incitement to commission of any offence. Eleven persons have died in police firing during the anti-copper plant violence at Tuticorin so far, while many have been injured in clashes with security personnel.