Haryana suspends internet, SMS services in 3 districts for 24 hours

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 26

Amid incidents in National Capital Delhi reported on Republic Day, Haryana Government has suspended internet services (2G/3G/4G/CDMA/GPRS), all SMS services (excluding banking and mobile recharge) and all dongle services, etc., provided on mobile networks except the voice calls in the territorial jurisdiction of districts of Sonepat, Palwal and Jhajjar for 24 hours till 5 pm on January 27, 2021.

This order is issued to prevent any disturbance of peace and public order in the jurisdiction of these three districts of Haryana and shall be in force with immediate effect.

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Sharing details in this regard, an official spokesperson said the suspension has been ordered under Rule 2 of Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017. All telecom service providers of Haryana, including the Head of BSNL (Haryana jurisdiction), are hereby directed to ensure the compliance of this order.

The spokesman said in view of the potential law and order situation created on account of tractor parade held on the occasion of Republic Day, there have been incidents of gherao in some locations in New Delhi and there may also possibly be a similar situation in Haryana.

Therefore the State Government has decided to suspend internet services in order to stop the spread of disinformation 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.