Haryana Govt Suspends Mobile Internet And Bulk SMS Services In Nuh Ahead Of Braj Mandal Yatra

Haryana suspended mobile internet and SMS services in Nuh district for 24 hours to prevent unrest during the Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra, following violence last year.

The Haryana government ordered the suspension of mobile internet and bulk SMS services in Nuh district for 24 hours ahead of the Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra, which was marred by violence last year. The internet services will be suspended from 6 pm on Sunday to 6 pm on Monday, as per an order by Haryana Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Anurag Rastogi.

According to news agency PTI, the order stated, "There is an apprehension of causing tension, annoyance, agitation, damage of public and private property and disturbance of public peace and tranquility in the district Nuh."

The suspension aims to prevent the spread of misinformation and rumours through social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter. "In order to stop the spread of misinformation and rumours through various social media platforms, such as WhatsApp, Facebook Twitter, etc. on mobile phones and SMS for facilitation and mobilisation of mobs of agitators and demonstrators who can cause serious loss of life and damage to public and private properties by indulging in arson or vandalism and other types of violent activities," the order stated.

"Now, therefore, in exercise of powers conferred upon me by virtue of Section 20(2) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 to be read along with Rule 2(1) of Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, 1, Home Secretary. Haryana do hereby order the suspension of the mobile internet services(2G/3G/4G/5G/CDMA/GPRS), bulk SMS (excluding banking and mobile recharge) and all dongle services etc. provided on mobile networks except the voice calls in the jurisdiction of district Nuh of Haryana State. All telecom service providers of Haryana are hereby directed to ensure the compliance of this order," it further added.

Nuh News: Individual SMS, Mobile Recharge, Banking SMS, Voice Calls, Broadband Service Exempted

 SMSes related to banking and mobile recharge have been exempted from the suspension.

"It is emphasized that this order is being issued after taking utmost care of public convenience by exempting individual SMS, mobile recharge, banking SMS, Voice calls, internet services provided by broadband and lease lines of corporate and domestic households, thus not affecting the commercial/financial interest of the State and basic domestic needs of individuals. This order is issued to prevent any disturbance of peace and public order in the jurisdiction of District Nuh in the state of Haryana and shall be in force w.e.f. 21.07.2024 (18:00hrs) to 22.07.2024 (18:00hrs)," the order read.

Meanwhile, Nuh Police have assured that tight security arrangements are in place to ensure the Yatra proceeds smoothly.

Last year, violence erupted during a Vishva Hindu Parishad procession on July 31, resulting in the deaths of two home guards and injuries to at least 15 others, including several policemen. A mob attacked a mosque in Gurugram the same night, killing its naib imam. The interfaith clash left at least five people dead and many others injured.