Farmers protest: Blockade of internet, bulk SMS and dongle services extended in THESE districts of Haryana

In the wake of ongoing farmers’ protests, the Haryana government on February 15 extended the suspension of mobile internet services, bulk SMS and all dongle services etc. on mobile networks, except voice calls in the jurisdiction of Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa districts, till February 17, reported news agency PTI.

Previously, on February 13, the state government had extended the suspension of these services by two days.

Protesters tried to break through barricades erected by Haryana police to prevent them from entering the capital.

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The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are leading the ‘Delhi Chalo’ movement to put pressure on the central government with their demands, including a minimum crop price law and debt relief.

In the order, Haryana Deputy Chief Secretary TVSN Prasad said, “Assessing the present law and order situation in the state, the conditions in Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa districts are still critical and tense.”

“…There is a clear danger of disruption of public services, damage to public property and public amenities and disturbance of public order in the above districts due to misuse of internet services by spreading seditious material and false rumours,” Prasad said.

The order was issued under Section 5 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and Rule 2 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecommunication Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017.

As per the order, suspension of mobile internet services, bulk SMS (except banking and mobile recharge) and all dongle services, etc. provided through mobile networks, except voice calls, in the jurisdiction of Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa districts has been extended till February 17.

The order is extended to prevent any disturbance of the peace and public order in these districts.

All telecom service providers in Haryana have been directed to ensure compliance with the order.

With agency input.