Internet cut off in Indian states of Assam and Tripura

[Recursion]

https://scroll.in/latest/946364/citizenship-amendment-bill-11-hour-shutdown-underway-in-north-east-today

Authorities in Tripura shut down internet and SMS services for 48 hours on Tuesday amid protests against the Citizenship Amendment Bill in several parts of the North East. The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on Monday despite widespread opposition, and is expected to be introduced in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

“It has been noticed that SMS, WhatsApp, and social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are being widely used for transmission of fake images and videos as well as text messages which have potential to incite violence in the state,” read the order from Tripura’s home department.

The North East Students’ Organisation, an umbrella body of students’ organisations, observed a strike in the region from 5 am to 4 pm in protest against the bill, PTI reported. The strike was backed by several political parties and organisations such as the Congress, the All India United Democratic Front, the All Assam Students Union, the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti, All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union, Khasi Students Union and the Naga Students Federation.

Security was stepped up in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura on Tuesday. People came out in huge numbers in Agartala in Tripura, and Dibrugarh and Jorabat in Assam to protest.

This is only going to get worse. Modi is not going to let go.

[Mike 03]

1. Citizens Amendment Bill

In case anybody was wondering. From the WaPo:

NEW DELHI — Lawmakers in India on Wednesday passed a fundamental change to its citizenship law to include religion as a criterion for nationality for the first time, deepening concerns that a country founded on secular ideals is becoming a Hindu state that treats Muslims as second-class citizens.

The new legislation creates a path to citizenship for migrants who belong to several South Asian religions but pointedly excludes Islam, the faith practiced by 200 million Indian citizens.

The measure was approved by a majority of the upper house of India’s Parliament in a final vote late Wednesday. It is expected to be signed into law by India’s ceremonial president within days.

The passage of the legislation marks the latest political victory for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a strident nationalist in the mold of other right-leaning populist politicians around the globe.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/india-poised-to-pass-controversial-citizenship-law-excluding-muslim-migrants/2019/12/11/ebda6a7e-1b71-11ea-977a-15a6710ed6da_story.html

[Recursion]

2. Yes, thank you

Forgot to add the context here.

[Mike 03]

3. No problem. I figured it would be something like this.

This is sad and scary stuff. And it's spreading.

[Recursion]

4. Modi was where it all started

He's ground zero of the global right-wing populist backlash.

[mopinko]

5. i will never understand a culture, possessed of such deep wisdom,

and a people so blessed w intelligence, that cannot shake off these stupid, ancient hatreds. or maybe they are 2 sides of the same coin.

so f'ing sad. an even bigger waste than most wars.
modi. ugh. how did this happen?