CAA Protests: Internet Services Shut Down In Several Districts Of UP Ahead Of Friday Prayers

Following protests against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Ghaziabad, Agra, Firozabad, Bijnor, Sitapur, Saharanpur and Bulandshahr are the regions where internet would not work on Friday.

RAF personnel patrol a street, days after protestors resorted to stone-pelting and clashes during agitation against the Citizenship Amendment Act, in Lucknow. (Image: PTI)

Agra: In view of the violent protests that erupted in Uttar Pradesh last week, the administration has decided to suspend mobile internet services in several districts of the state on Friday. According to reports, following protests against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), authorities have suspended internet services in districts including Ghaziabad, Agra, Firozabad, Bijnor, Sitapur, Saharanpur and Bulandshahr and several other cities in the state. Restrictions on the services will start in several districts from 10 pm on Thursday and will continue till 6 pm on Saturday. Reports of internet restrictions came from several other districts of UP as well. In an order, the district administration said that the measure is aimed at checking misinformation regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). "Violent protests have been witnessed against the CAA in Aligarh, Hathras, Firozabad and other districts. Regarding which rumours are being spread on social media. According to sources, some organisations can stage protests, leading to the law and order problem," Additional District Magistrate (City), Prabhakant Awasthi told news agency ANI. Violent protests could erupt against the CAA after Friday prayers in the city, the order said. The suspension order, however, will not affect the baking and government network services. ALSO WATCH | Internet Services Suspended In Several Districts Of Uttar Pradesh "To prevent spreading of rumours we have decided to close internet services till tomorrow and we have sent a letter regarding that to telecom service providers," Saharanpur SSP Dinesh Kumar said today. Reports also state that the Police officials are interacting with the local leaders and religious organisations in Saharanpur to ensure peace is maintained in the city. "Those who spread rumours on social media will be traced and arrested. Tomorrow, Friday prayers will be offered and we appeal people to offer Namaz, remain peaceful and do not participate in any procession," the SSP added further. Internet services in Agra will remain suspended till 6 pm on Friday (December 27). In Bijnore, internet services have been shut down for the next 48 hours as a precautionary measure. In Ghaziabad, internet services won't work from 10 pm on Thursday till 10 pm on Friday. Internet services have also been snapped in Deoband in Uttar Pradesh till further notification. A notice has been sent to attach the properties of 46 people including a former IPS officer accused of indulging in violence during protests against the Citizenship Act in Lucknow. According to news agency ANI, Police have identified the people on the basis of CCTV footage, after which a notice was sent to them. They include Mohammad Shoaib of Rihai Manch, Congress leader Sadaf Zafar and former IG S.R. Darapuri among others. This notice has been issued by the district administration on the list of 46 rioters prepared by Hazratganj Police. According to an estimate, property worth over Rs 3 crore was damaged during the violent demonstrations in several districts of Uttar Pradesh. Miscreants are said to have damaged around 35 vehicles in the four police station areas of the capital -- Hazratganj, Kaiserbagh, Thakurganj and Hasanganj -- on December 19. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had given instructions to compensate the loss caused due to violence by the rioters. (With inputs from agencies)