New Delhi: In response to the ongoing farmers' Delhi Chalo agitation, the Haryana government on Tuesday announced the suspension of mobile internet services and bulk SMS in certain areas of Ambala district from February 28 to February 29. This decision follows the restoration of mobile internet and bulk SMS services in seven districts, including Ambala, just two days prior. The move aims to manage the situation and maintain law and order amidst the ongoing protests by farmers.
As per the latest decision on Tuesday, mobile internet services and bulk SMS will continue to be suspended in the areas under the jurisdiction of Sadar Ambala, Panjokhera, and Naggal police stations in Ambala district. The suspension will be effective from February 28, starting from 00:01 hrs, until February 29, ending at 23:59 hrs, as per the official order. The decision was made following a request from the Ambala deputy commissioner on February 26, in view of the farmers' protest, reported news agency PTI.
The decision to suspend mobile internet services and bulk SMS in specific areas of Ambala district was made in light of the potential threat of disruption to public utilities, damage to public assets and amenities, and disturbance of public law and order. The order cites concerns over the misuse of internet services for spreading inflammatory material and false rumors, according to the order, as per PTI.
Earlier, mobile internet services were restored in seven districts on Sunday. The services were suspended in Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa on February 11 and the suspension was extended on February 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 21, and 23.
The 'Delhi Chalo' agitation, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, seeks to exert pressure on the Central government to address their demands, which include legislation on minimum support price (MSP) for crops and farm loan waivers. Protesting farmers from Punjab have been participating in the march and have set up camps at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points along the state's border with Haryana, as per PTI.