Telecom Ministry Blocks SMS , Mobile Internet In Nagaland To Check Hate Comments

10 March, Dimapur

Blocking of mobile internet services ,SMS and social networking sites has been extended for another 48hours on the request of the Nagaland government. These were supposed to open at 1800 hrs Monday

Nagaland IGP (Range) Wabang Jamir informed media persons at Dimapur that on March 7, the government had asked the Telecommunications Ministry to block SMS, mobile internet and social networking services like Facebook and twitter in the state for 48 hours.

He also informed that the blocking of SMS and mobile data services had been extended by another 48 hours, beginning 1800hrs March 9 to stop spread of rumours and hate comments over the social network site following the Dimapur violence. On March 5 an unruly mob had lynched an under trial after bringing him out of the Dimapur Jail.

The government was compelled to extend the blocking as hate comments continued in the internet and social networking sites. Meanwhile, Home Minister Y Patton told media persons in Dimapur Monday , ”I want to assure everyone that the government is taking every step to bring the situation to be normal.