Internet and SMS blocked for 24 hours in Haryana’s Nuh ahead of Braj Mandal Yatra

The Haryana government on Sunday ordered a 24-hour suspension of mobile internet and SMS services in Nuh district ahead of the Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra, which was marred by violence last year. On July 31 last year, two home guards were killed and at least 15 others, including several policemen, injured when a mob tried to stop a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession in Haryana’s Nuh district by pelting stones and setting cars on fire.

However, Nuh Deputy District Commissioner Dhirendra Khadgata said that enhanced security measures had been taken in the district to ensure peaceful conduct of the event.

“The situation is very peaceful and cordial ahead of the yatra and both communities (Hindus and Muslims) are ready to welcome them,” Khadgata told PTI over phone.

Many welcome gates have been erected and food stalls have been set up for the members of the procession, he said.

“We also have 100 volunteers who will help the police in coordinating movements along the yatra route,” the DC said.

Authorities said that drones will be used on the yatra route. The yatra will start from Nalhar Temple in Nuh and end via Jhir Temple in Singar.

According to an order issued by Haryana Deputy Home Minister Anurag Rastogi, internet service in the district will remain suspended from 6 pm on Sunday to 6 pm on Monday.

“…there is an apprehension that tension, nuisance, riot, damage to public and private property and disturbance of public peace and tranquillity in Nuh district may arise…” said the order, issued on the basis of feedback from Deputy DGP-CID, Haryana, and a Deputy Commissioner.

The suspension was made “to stop the spread of misinformation and rumours” through social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

Immediately following the inter-faith clashes, at least six people were killed and scores more injured, including a cleric who was attacked in a mosque in Gurugram.

The then BJP government in the state under Manohar Khattar had been subjected to sharp criticism from opposition parties because of the violence.

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