Internet Ban In Odisha’s Balasore Town Extended By Another 48 Hours

Balasore: The internet ban in Balasore town and adjoining areas, which are under curfew following a group clash on June 18, has been extended till 10 am on June 22, a notification issued by the Home department said on Thursday.

“On the recommendation of the collector, the prohibition on use and access to social media platforms like WhatsApp , Facebook and X and any other through internet and other medium of data service has been extended for another 48 hours up to 10 am on June 22 in Balasore municipality area,” the June 19 notification said.

PROHIBITED

1. WhatsApp, FaceBook, X, Instagram, Snapchat and other social media services of all mobile service providers.
2. Mobile intenet/data services of all mobile service providers.
3. Internet/data services of all Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
4. Broadband Dial up systems.
5. Any other such means or modes of transmission.

It added that internet lease lines across the town will be opened for facilitating essential service.

Balasore SP Sagarika Nath had earlier informed that internet services will be partially restored on leased lines from 10 am on Thursday but not mobile data services.

A day after clashes between two communities left 10 people wounded on Bakrid, the authorities on Tuesday shut down internet services in Balasore town and upgraded prohibitory orders to a full curfew to prevent further flare-ups.

The curfew, however, was relaxed for four hours from 7 am to 11 am on Thursday (June 20) to allow people to buy essential items. Commercial establishments were allowed to remain open during this period.

The administration is expected to decide later in the day on whether to extend the curbs, which will remain in force till midnight.

Police have arrested 35 people for Monday’s violence. Another 30 were detained on Tuesday either for violence or for violating curfew norms. Over 40 platoons of police personnel have been deployed, particularly in sensitive areas, to maintain law and order. Round-the-clock patrolling and flag marches are being conducted in the town as a confidence-building exercise. All six entry and exit points to the town have also been sealed off.