Regional shutdown
Mobile Internet
Meghalaya
Local authorities ordered the suspension of mobile Internet services in the Garo Hills in Meghalaya following local unrest surrounding a controversial notification barring non-tribal people from contesting the upcoming local elections.
- Total Duration 8 days
India
- Population
- 1,450,935,791
Freedom House rates Internet freedom as Partly Free
Local impact
Anticipating unrest, the district administration ordered a 48-hour suspension and imposed restrictions on the movement of people under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
In a notification issued on Wednesday, 18 March, the home (political) department said the suspension orders had been revoked in West Garo Hills, East Garo Hills, South Garo Hills, North Garo Hills, and South West Garo Hills.
Related documentation
There is no public cause documentation.
Other supporting information
It’s difficult to measure the effects of local/regional Internet shutdowns, as most measurements are conducted at the country level. Learn more.
Social media
#Internet services restored across #GaroHills after an 8-day suspension. Authorities urge responsible use and caution against fake news.#Nightcurfew remains in force as security forces continue to monitor the situation.@CMO_Meghalaya pic.twitter.com/ZJ1qS5AI1X
— DD News Meghalaya (@ddnewsshillong) March 20, 2026
1/5
— Mysterium VPN (@mysteriumvpn) March 13, 2026
When unrest breaks out, many governments reach for the same tool: cut the internet.
On March 10, 2026, authorities in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills suspended mobile internet citing vandalism and “social media misinformation.” Hours later, clashes during election nominations…