Haryana authorities order internet suspension ahead of farmers' march
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In anticipation of the upcoming 'Delhi Chalo' march by farmers on February 13, the Haryana government has directed the suspension of mobile internet services and bulk SMS in seven districts.
The affected districts include Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa.
The suspension will be in effect from 6 am on February 11 to 23:59 pm on February 13.
The decision comes as the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha plan the march involving more than 200 farmers' unions to press for various demands, including a law guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP) for crops.
Haryana Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur has warned of strict action against those disrupting peace and has urged people to maintain calm in light of the farmers' march. To ensure law and order, the Haryana Police have deployed 50 companies of central paramilitary forces. The authorities emphasise that no one will be allowed to disturb peace and harmony.
The farmers' unions have faced warnings from the police, cautioning against participating without permission in the planned march. Additionally, strict action has been threatened if public property is damaged. The Punjab-Haryana border is reportedly being sealed in preparation for the event.
The 'Delhi Chalo' march is part of the ongoing farmers' agitation, with demands including a legal guarantee for MSP, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pensions for farmers and labourers, farm debt waiver, withdrawal of police cases, and justice for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
The Haryana Police, along with central paramilitary forces, aim to maintain peace and prevent protesters from reaching the national capital. Concrete blocks, barbed wire, sandbags, barricades, and other items have been prepared to secure entry points.
The imposition of Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) has been announced in Ambala, restricting assembly in the district.
In 2020, farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh staged a year-long protest on Delhi's border points against the now-repealed farm laws. The 'Delhi Chalo' march follows a recent meeting between a three-member team of Union ministers and farmer organisation leaders. Although the ministers assured further discussions, the farmers maintained their plan for the march on February 13.