Shillong, March 11: The Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Home (Political) Department do hereby promulgate this notification under the provision of Section 5 (i) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 to prevent misinformation being spread through social media to cause social disharmony between communities, in all the Districts of the Garo Hills Division.
Whereas, report have been received from Police Headquarters and several Deputy Commissioners of Districts in the Garo Hills Division that several incidents having a potential to disturb public peace and tranquillity, have occurred in various parts of Garo Hills on the 11th of March, 2026 in connection with the issue of the GHADC elections.
Several incidents have been reported in Tura and other locations that have a potential to cause a threat to public safety in the Districts of the Garo Hills Division which may likely cause breakdown of law and order.
Whereas, these reports have stated that there were incidents of arsons, assault on civilians, gathering large crowds and misinformation being spread through social media to cause social disharmony between communities, in all the Districts of the Garo Hills Division.
Whereas, messaging system like WhatsApp and social media platforms like Facebook, x (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, etc. Posting on social media are likely to be used for transmission of information through pictures, videos and text, having the potential to cause serious breakdown of law and order.
Therefore, in order to prevent the misuse of the abovementioned media to disturb peace and tranquillity in the State of Meghalaya and for maintaining law and order, “ I, Shri F. R. Kharkongor, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Home (Political) Department do hereby promulgate this notification under the provision of Section 5 (i) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, read with the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017”.
This to prohibit the following types of media in all the districts of Garo Hills Division, viz, West Garo Hills, East Garo Hills, South Garo Hills, North Garo Hills, South West Garo Hills and South Garo Hills District, with immediate effect and until further orders.Mobile Internet Data services of all mobile service providers.
Violation of this promulgation will be punishable under section 223 BNS and also under the relevant provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 said Mr. F.R Kharkongor IAS Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Home (Political) Department.
