Bhubaneswar, Dec 11: The Malkangiri district administration on Thursday extended the suspension of social media services for another 12 hours, keeping the restrictions in place until 12 pm on December 12. Platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and X will remain inaccessible as authorities continue efforts to maintain peace in the region.

This marks the fourth consecutive extension of the ban. The restrictions were first imposed on December 8 for 24 hours following heightened tensions in the district. An 18-hour extension followed on December 9, another 24-hour extension on December 10, and the latest extension comes as officials continue to assess risks linked to the law-and-order situation.

The ban was enforced after violent clashes broke out between two villages over the recovery of a headless body on December 4. Authorities believe the temporary shutdown is necessary to prevent the circulation of provocative content that could further escalate tensions.

Meanwhile, Malkangiri District Collector Somesh Kumar Upadhyay visited the affected village to review the situation firsthand. The administration has inspected damaged houses, furniture, and uprooted trees and is providing immediate relief to affected families. A free kitchen has been set up, offering cooked food to villagers, while blankets have been distributed to ensure protection from the winter chill.

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