Haryana extends mobile Internet suspension in key districts amid farmers' protest| Check Details
PTC Web Desk: In a bid to maintain law and order amid farmers' protest, the Haryana Government, under the Department of Home Affairs, has extended the suspension of mobile internet services in critical districts such as Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa. This decision, made under Section 5 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and Rule 2 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, aims to curb the potential misuse of internet services for spreading misinformation and inciting unrest.
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According to officials, the current assessment of the law and order situation reveals critical and tense conditions in the specified districts, necessitating measures to prevent disruptions to public utilities, damage to public assets, and disturbance of public law and order. The misuse of internet services, particularly through social media platforms, is identified as a significant concern, with the spread of inflammatory material and false rumours contributing to the potential mobilisation of agitators and demonstrators.
The order, issued by the Home Secretary, Haryana, extends the suspension to cover 2G/3G/4G/5G/CDMA/GPRS mobile internet services, bulk SMS (excluding banking and mobile recharge), and all dongle services in the specified districts. However, voice calls remain unaffected. Telecom service providers in Haryana are directed to ensure strict compliance with this order.
Importantly, the order has been crafted with the utmost consideration for public convenience. Individual SMS, mobile recharge, banking SMS, voice calls, and internet services provided by broadband and lease lines for corporate and domestic households are exempted. This strategic exemption aims to safeguard the commercial and financial interests of the state while ensuring the basic domestic needs of individuals are met.
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The order, in effect until February 17, 2024 (23:59hrs), is a proactive response to prevent disturbances to peace and public order in the mentioned districts, including Dabwali in the state of Haryana, amid farmers' protest. The decision is taken in light of the emergent situation, emphasizing the government's commitment to maintaining public safety.
Any violation of this order will result in legal action under relevant provisions, highlighting the government's firm stance on ensuring compliance. As the situation evolves, the Haryana government continues to monitor and implement necessary measures to safeguard the welfare and security of its citizens.
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