Mobile Internet Services Banned in Gujarat Due to Political Disturbance
Gujarat is once again in the news and this time even we have a reason to report why – the state has banned mobile internet services due to civil disturbances. These disturbances began when a certain Hardik Patel began demanding an OBC status for the otherwise economically stable Patel community.
As reported, Gujarat was plunged in arson and stone-pelting by members of the Patel community after the police detained Hardik Patel on Tuesday. A curfew had been imposed on three towns, while Ahmedabad has reportedly been faced with violent incidents, such as city buses and police posts being set on fire. The police resorted to lathicharge to control the situation.
Security has been maximised, due to the tense situation in the state. Schools and colleges remain shut while mobile internet services have temporarily been banned, so as to control or prevent any ‘rumor-mongering’ through social media.
This move is being highly debated and is raising a bundle of political questions about Hardik Patel’s demand. However, what is the difference between China and India if we’re going to now control information being shared on social media? On the other hand Gujarat has also previously seen communal violence escalating to an unprecedented level. What do you think of this ban?
