InternetShutdowns.in

As 2026 begins, we’re looking back at India’s #InternetShutdown in 2025. This wrap-up takes a closer look at the data, patterns, and trends from the past year, not just to count shutdowns, but to understand what they mean for people and for India’s digital freedoms.

Students in Jammu & Kashmir faced serious hurdles in completing their NEET applications after mobile data, voice, and SMS services were suspended amid protests. With OTP-based verification required for exam registrations and online study platforms, many students risked missing crucial deadlines due to the connectivity restrictions. On 6 March 2026, SFLC.in wrote to the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, highlighting how internet shutdowns can disrupt students’ academic opportunities and urging immediate intervention. The letter requested alternative login mechanisms (such as email-based OTPs or offline registration centres) and deadline extensions for candidates in affected regions to ensure that students are not unfairly penalised. While the shutdown was lifted later the same day, the incident once again highlights how connectivity restrictions can have unintended consequences on students preparing for national-level competitive exams. #InternetShutdown #InternetShutdowns #KeepItOn #LetTheNetWork #AccessToInternet #DigitalRights #OnlineAccess #RightToInternet #InternetFreedom #ConnectivityMatters #DigitalAccess #AccessToInformation

The internet suspension in Meghalaya’s East & West Garo Hills has now been extended following violence linked to the GHADC election nomination process, including the arson attack on the NPP office in Tura. #InternetShutdown #Meghalaya #DigitalRights #KeepItOn #InternetFreedom

Violence in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills has led to a curfew and suspension of mobile internet services after clashes linked to the GHADC election nomination process. #InternetShutdown #KeepItOn #Meghalaya #WestGaroHills #DigitalRights #AccessToInternet #InternetFreedom

Internet services were affected in parts of Jammu and Kashmir amid protests over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, with large crowds assembling at Srinagar’s Lal Chowk on Sunday #Kashmir #JammuAndKashmir #InternetShutdown #InternetRestrictions

The mobile internet suspension has now been extended to parts of Kamjong and Kangpokpi districts which was earlier limited to Ukhrul discharge following recent arson and violence. Authorities cite concerns over the spread of inflammatory content amid ongoing tensions. #Manipur

The Government of Manipur has imposed an internet shutdown internet services for five days after armed miscreants allegedly set houses on fire, forcing residents to flee their homes overnight. #Manipur #internetshutdown #OnlineSafety #connectivity

Internet suspended in Hanumangarh (Rajasthan) amid renewed farmers’ protests against the proposed ethanol plant in the Tibbi area. Administration cites law-and-order concerns as tensions persist on the ground. #InternetShutdown #Hanumangarh #FarmersProtest #Rajasthan

Nov 2025–Jan 2026, #Hanumangarh, #Rajasthan saw multiple #internetshutdowns. We filed #RTIs in December 2025 and they flag key issues. Since then, we have filed fresh RTIs and are engaging the Rajasthan government to seek accountability and transparency.

@priciltasia The order must be published to clearly state the specific reasons that necessitate the imposition of such measures, clearly defined geographical area, type of networks affected and a specific duration that cannot exceed 15 calendar days.

@priciltasia However, the law clearly states that an internet shutdown order can be imposed by either the Union Home Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs (in case of the Central Government) and the Secretary to the State Government in-charge of the Home Department (in case of a States).

In response to violence between two communities and deaths of two people, mobile internet services have been suspended in Kokrajhar and Chirang districts of Assam. #IST #AssamNews #Violence #InternetShutdown

@priciltasia The order must be published to clearly state the specific reasons that necessitate the imposition of such measures, clearly defined geographical area, type of networks affected and a specific duration that cannot exceed 15 calendar days.

@NetShutdowns Can you predict until when?

@priciltasia However, the law clearly states that an internet shutdown order can be imposed by either the Union Home Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs (in case of the Central Government) and the Secretary to the State Government in-charge of the Home Department (in case of a States)

Assam is witnessing a troubling rise in unlawful internet shutdowns imposed without transparency or legal safeguards. This blog unpacks how routine disconnections are quietly becoming a tool of governance. internetshutdowns.in/blog/disconnec… #InternetShutdowns #Assam #DigitalRights

In #Kishtwar (J&K), authorities have extended the suspension of mobile internet services as security forces intensify an anti-terror operation against suspected Jaish-e-Mohammad militants in the snowbound Chatroo belt. #Mobileinternet #JammuAndKashmir #internetshutdown

Internet services have been suspended in Sundargarh district of Orissa for 24 hours following a violent group clash that left several people injured. Authorities say the shutdown is aimed at preventing the spread of rumours and maintaining law and order. #IST #Orissa #Clash

As 2026 begins, we’re looking back at India’s #InternetShutdown in 2025. This wrap-up takes a closer look at the data, patterns, and trends from the past year, not just to count shutdowns, but to understand what they mean for people and for India’s digital freedoms.

Authorities have suspended mobile internet services in Unakoti district (Kumarghat subdivision) for 48 hours following communal tensions and vandalism , citing concerns over law & order. #InternetShutdown #Unakoti #Tripura #IST