Telecom services in Assam’s South Salmara-Mankachar district were restored on Thursday after the state home and political department revoked a prior notification that had prohibited internet and mobile data services. This initial suspension was implemented on March 10, 2026, in response to incidents that could disrupt peace, particularly in areas bordering Meghalaya’s Garo Hills, which emerged around the nominations for the GHADC elections on March 9, 2026. The Assam government’s action was taken under Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, in conjunction with the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017. With improvements in the law-and-order situation in the district, the government now assesses that there is no ongoing threat to public order, leading to the decision to lift the restrictions. The revocation of the prohibition was communicated by Ajay Tewari, Additional Chief Secretary of the Home and Political Department, emphasizing the restoration of normalcy and public tranquillity in the region.
Telecom Connectivity Restored in Assam Border District Amid Garo Hills Tension
