Haryana Government Extends Mobile Internet Ban until February 17 Amid Farmers' Protest

Extension Aimed at Maintaining Public Order Amid 'Delhi Chalo' Agitation.

Representational Image

February 15, 2024

In response to the ongoing farmers' agitation and to maintain law and order, the Haryana government has extended the suspension of mobile internet and bulk SMS services in seven districts until February 17. The affected districts include Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa.

The decision comes after an initial two-day suspension, as announced on February 13, and is in light of the farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' agitation. The move aims to prevent any potential disturbances of peace and public order in these regions amidst the ongoing protests.

Incidents of tension have already been reported, notably on Tuesday, as farmers from Punjab faced tear gas shells while attempting to breach barricades set up by the Haryana Police at border points, obstructing their passage towards the national capital.

The agitation, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, seeks to exert pressure on the Centre regarding various demands, including legislation on minimum support price for crops and loan waivers.

Additional Chief Secretary of Haryana, T.V.S.N. Prasad, emphasized the critical and tense law and order situation prevailing in the seven districts. He cited concerns over the potential misuse of internet services to spread inflammatory material and false rumors, posing a threat to public utilities and assets.

The extension of the mobile internet ban falls under Section 5 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and Rule 2 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules 2017. It encompasses the suspension of mobile internet services, bulk SMS (excluding banking and mobile recharge), and all dongle services, except voice calls, in the aforementioned districts.

Telecom service providers in Haryana have been instructed to comply with the order, ensuring the continued suspension of internet services until February 17. As tensions persist amid the farmers' protest, the government's decision to extend the mobile internet ban underscores its commitment to maintaining public order and averting potential disruptions in affected areas.