The Haryana government has taken a significant step by ordering the suspension of mobile Internet and bulk SMS services in Nuh district until August 28 in response to escalating communal tensions and the potential for unrest. The choice was made in light of a forthcoming “shobha yatra” and worries about false information spreading on social media in advance of the event on Monday.
Following the disturbance and racial violence that marred a related event in July, authorities in Nuh recently withheld permission for a religious procession scheduled for August 28. TVSN Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary for the Home, gave the go-ahead for the suspension of mobile Internet services on Saturday.
The district administration has invoked Section 144 of the CrPC, effectively outlawing groups of four or more people in any one location, to further ensure public safety. According to officials, this precautionary measure will be in place from August 26 to August 28.
People won’t be allowed to carry any weapons during this time, including legal firearms, lathis, axes, and other potentially harmful objects.
Following outbreaks of intercommunal violence, the Haryana government had previously resorted to shutting down mobile Internet access in Nuh.
Six people lost their lives as a result of the tragic incident that took place on July 31 during a religious procession led by the Vishva Hindu Parishad, including two home guards and a cleric. A mob attacked the procession, which incited a wave of intergroup violence in Nuh.
“This directive has been issued to prevent any disturbances to peace and public order within the jurisdiction of Nuh district,” explained Prasad in a statement. From August 26 at 12:00 PM to August 28 at 11:59 PM, it will be in effect.
Dhirendra Khadgata, the deputy commissioner for Nuh, mentioned the Sarv Jatiya Hindu Mahapanchayat’s intention to hold a Brij Mandal Shoba Yatra in the district on August 28 in a letter to Prasad on Friday. In order to disturb the peace, disruptive elements may use social media and bulk messaging, according to Khadgata.
In order to prevent any untoward incidents, it is crucial to temporarily suspend all mobile Internet and bulk SMS services in Nuh district. Khadgata wrote in an email to Prasad:
The risk of service interruptions, property damage, and disturbances to law and order in Nuh due to the online spread of rumours and inflammatory content was highlighted by Prasad in the directive he issued on Saturday. The order requires the temporary suspension of all mobile Internet services, including those offered over 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, CDMA, and GPRS, as well as bulk SMS services (aside from those related to banking and mobile recharge) and all dongle services offered over mobile networks other than voice calls.
Morningglobe
Nitin Jain
