The State government’s decision to suspend Internet services in the riot-hit Thoothukudi district along with neighbouring Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari districts in an attempt “to curb the spread of rumours and provocative posts through social media” had a telling impact on business establishments.
As the government’s order to the Internet service providers was translated into action on Wednesday night, it indeed served the purpose effectively.
However, the decision derailed the already badly-hit business.
Business establishments, especially Thoothukudi-based larger business houses involved in the export and import trade, suffered a lot as their transactions were seriously hit.
“This is a mindless step taken by an inept administration that miserably failed to anticipate the massive mobilisation and control the riot that was meticulously orchestrated by a few. Instead of taking constructive measures to restore peace and initiating punitive measures against the divisive forces, Internet services have been suspended, leading to a loss of crores of rupees. This is most unfortunate,” said a leading businessman of Thoothukudi who is involved in shipping, clearing and forwarding.
However, customers were able to withdraw and deposit cash in the banks. Barring a few Automated Teller Machines in Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari districts, most of the ATMs were functioning as usual, much to the relief of the public.
“Most of the banks are functioning as usual, thanks to the dedicated lines they have,” a senior official attached to a lead district bank told The Hindu . However, online cash transactions came to a grinding halt.
