India, Oct. 2 -- The Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday suspended Internet services in Bareilly district for 48 hours beginning Thursday afternoon in an effort to prevent misuse of social media platforms to incite unrest even as security was tightened in Bareilly and neighbouring districts in view of communal tension in the area.

Mobile Internet, broadband, and SMS services in Bareilly district will remain suspended from 3pm on October 2 to 3pm on October 4, according to a notification by the state home department. Home secretary Gaurav Dayal said the order was issued to prevent misuse of social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube and WhatsApp to spread rumours and incite unrest.

"The step was taken to maintain peace and public ...