Iran hit by nationwide internet blackout as economic protests intensify
Tehran: Iran experienced a nationwide internet blackout on Thursday due to protests over a deepening economic crisis, according to online monitoring group NetBlocks. The group said the disruption followed a series of escalating digital restrictions intented to curb protests and limited public communication at a critical moment.
Demonstrations have spread across several Iranian cities since late December, driven by anger over rising living costs and devaluation of the national currency. The unrest resulted in at least 21 people reported killed since the protests began, according to figures compiled by AFP based on local media and official statements.
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Reporting from Tehran early on Friday, Al Jazeera correspondent Tohid Asadi said thousands of people gathered across multiple neighbourhoods of the capital from around 8 pm local time on Thursday. He said several streets were blocked and clashes erupted between protesters and police, with chants and slogans directed against the political establishment echoing through parts of the city. Asadi noted that economic pressure had eroded public confidence, particularly among working and lower middle-class families struggling to meet daily expenses.
Iranian authorities have issued mixed signals in response to the unrest. President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged restraint in handling the protests, while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei earlier this week said rioters must be “put in their place”. Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei accused demonstrators of acting in coordination with the United States and Israel and warned that there would be no leniency for those accused of creating insecurity.
International concern has also mounted. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for steps to prevent further loss of life and urged Iranian authorities to uphold the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. His spokesperson said individuals must be allowed to protest peacefully and voice their grievances.
Human rights group Amnesty International said on Tuesday that security forces raided Imam Khomeini Hospital in the western city of Ilam, firing tear gas, damaging property and assaulting people inside, while attempting to detain injured protesters. The organisation called on Iranian authorities to halt the unlawful use of force, stop arbitrary arrests in hospitals, ensure medical care for the injured and respect the neutrality of healthcare facilities.
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Rajnath Singh chairs IGoM meet, urges constant vigil over West Asia crisis
New Delhi (PTI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday emphasised the need for round-the-clock monitoring of the West Asia conflict and called for a calibrated response to deal with any eventuality to ensure that national interests remain protected.
Singh made the comments while chairing a high-level meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM) set-up to monitor the situation in West Asia.
The meeting was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Power Minister Manohar Lal, Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister J P Nadda, Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi and Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw.
In view of the "uncertain situation", the defence minister underlined the importance of round-the-clock monitoring of the situation and the need to respond in a calibrated manner to deal with any eventuality, an official readout said.
He stressed on the need to leave no stone unturned to ensure that the people of the country face the minimum effect of the conflict, it said.
It was the second meeting of the IGoM after it was set up last month.
The IGoM was apprised of the measures being taken by the government in the wake of the ongoing West Asia conflict, Singh said on social media.
"We also deliberated upon the next steps to be taken by the government to mitigate any adverse impact arising due to the ongoing conflict," he said.
The defence ministry said in the readout said, "In the meeting, the seven empowered groups of secretaries briefed the IGoM on the steps being taken to tackle the situation."
"The IGoM was apprised about measures undertaken by the Ministry of Finance to address concerns arising due to global trade disruptions and provide relief and support to the industry, especially manufacturing, and bolster investor confidence," it said.
It listed measures including notification issued on Wednesday on full customs duty exemption on 40 critical petrochemical products till June 30.
The ministry also mentioned announcement of a special one-time relief measure for eligible units in SEZs to sell manufactured goods in Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) at concessional customs duty rates to be effective from April 1 to March 31.
It also noted another notification issued by the Department of Revenue clarifying that the provisions of GAAR (General Anti Avoidance Rules) will not be invoked in respect of investments made prior to April 1, 2017.
"These measures will reduce cost pressures on downstream sectors including textiles, packaging and pharmaceuticals, facilitate supply stability in the country and provide requisite clarity for investors contemplating investments in India," the readout said.
Defence Minister Singh appreciated the government's decision to impose a 25 per cent cap on the monthly increase in aviation turbine fuel prices for domestic operations, with effect from April 1.
This step will help protect the people from sudden increase in fares, he said.
The government has accorded highest priority to domestic LPG supply, with refinery production enhanced to fully meet consumption requirements, according to the readout.
"The IGoM was informed that there have been no reports of dry-out at LPG distributorships, and delivery of domestic LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinders continues as per the normal schedule. The temporary supply concerns arose due to instances of hoarding and black marketing, which triggered panic buying in certain areas," it said.
The ministers were informed that strict enforcement action is being undertaken, with raids being carried out across multiple states and Union territories to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG, the ministry said in the readout.
Action has also been taken against some LPG distributors who engaged in malpractices, it said.
"To support migrant labour and low-consumption households, the government is ensuring adequate availability of 5 kg free trade LPG cylinders, and since March 23, over 4.3 lakh such cylinders have been sold. Special focus is being given to states where demand is higher," it said.
The IGoM was apprised that industrial requirements dependent on commercial LPG are being met, with over 80 per cent of pre-crisis supply levels being maintained to ensure continuity of operations.
"Special meetings have been held with ministries and stakeholders of different industries to understand their demand and meet their needs. Oil PSUs are ensuring continued supply of Auto LPG across the country," the readout noted.
"However, some supply constraints are being faced by private operators due to their procurement challenges, which is why lines are being observed at PSU auto LPG pumps. Wherever the autos are dual feed and can use petrol, they are being encouraged to use petrol," it said.
