The Nagaland government has blocked all internet and mobile data services in the state to stop the circulation of videos and images of the lynching of Syed Sarif, reports The Times of India. Sarif, who allegedly raped his wife's cousin, was dragged out and paraded naked and was lynched by a mob. His body was then hanged from the city tower. Videos and pictures related to the lynching went viral and the government instructed all mobile operators to block SMS and MMS services to curb tensions in the area. "We have asked service providers to block all internet and mobile data services from 6pm on Saturday for 48 hours. We want to stop circulation of the images and videos of the lynching, as these might escalate tensions," Nagaland Police Dimapur range IGP Wabang Jamir said. Mob justice and social media Right now, people are armed with some of the most sophisticated communication technologies and can disseminate information literally at the click of a button. We've seen many instances of harassment against women being captured on video and being used to shame the men behind them. In a recent video of public shaming, a young woman used her smartphone to shoot video of a man sitting behind her on an IndiGo airline flight who tried to grope her between the seats. However, often viral videos such as this can have varying versions as indicated in the Rohtak sisters episode. In late November 2014, a video went viral on the internet in India which showed…
