Potential violence, destruction: Haryana extends internet suspension

Chandigarh: Citing potential violence, destruction and spread of inflammatory materials and rumours, the Haryana administration extended the suspension of mobile internet and bulk SMS services in seven districts till Saturday. The move is in view of the ongoing farmers' protests, PTI reported.

The suspension of mobile internet services, bulk SMS (excluding banking and mobile recharge) and all dongle services, etc., provided on mobile networks except voice calls in the jurisdiction of districts of Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa has been extended till February 24 (2359 hours), an order stated.

In the order issued on Friday, Additional Chief Secretary T V S N Prasad said, "After assessment of the current prevailing law and order situation in the state, the conditions are still critical and tense in the district Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa."

"...There is a clear potential of disruption of public utilities, damage to public assets and amenities and disturbance of public law and order in these districts on account of misuse of internet services by way of spread of inflammatory material and false rumours," he said.

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

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are spearheading the 'Delhi Chalo' agitation to put pressure on the Centre to accept their demands, including a law on minimum support price (MSP) for crops and a farm loan waiver.

On Friday, violence broke out in Haryana's Hisar after farmers and police confronted each other on Friday, injuring a police officer. Video footage showed a chaotic atmosphere at the spot where riot troops were seen in full armour, and people were taken into custody, NDTV reported.