Haryana Halts Mobile Internet and SMS Services in Ambala Amid Farmers’ Delhi March

In light of the ongoing farmers' protests and a planned march toward Delhi, the Haryana government has temporarily suspended mobile internet services, bulk SMS, and dongle services in select areas of Ambala district. This suspension is set to last until December 9, 2024, and aims to prevent the spread of inflammatory content and rumors through social media and messaging platforms. The government hopes this move will maintain public order and security as farmers, camped at inter-state borders since February, prepare for the "Delhi Kooch" march.

The protest, organized by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, is set to resume with a group of farmers from Punjab moving toward Delhi, demanding legal guarantees for Minimum Support Prices (MSP), farm loan waivers, and other reforms. Local authorities have imposed Section 144 in Ambala, restricting public gatherings, and have ramped up security measures, including the deployment of additional personnel and barricades along key routes.

Haryana’s transport minister, Anil Vij, questioned the legitimacy of the march, emphasizing the need for proper permits for the protestors to proceed. In response, farmer leaders, currently in their 297th day of protest, insist on continuing their struggle until their demands are met. Haryana police asked farmers not to proceed further and cited a prohibitory order clamped under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

The state's precautionary measures reflect the authorities' determination to prevent any escalation and ensure the march proceeds within the boundaries of the law.

Source: thehindu.com , deccanchronicle.com