The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has prolonged the suspension of internet services in specific regions of several Punjab districts, comprising Patiala, Sangrur, and Fatehgarh Sahib, until February 24.
Initially, internet services were halted from February 12 to 16 owing to the farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' march.
As per the ministry's directive dated February 16, internet connectivity will remain disrupted in areas falling under the jurisdiction of various police stations, including Shambhu, Julkan, Passian, Patran, Shatrana, Samana, Ghanaur, Devigarh, and Balbhera in Patiala; Lalru in Mohali; Sangat in Bathinda; Killianwali in Muktsar; Sardulgarh and Boha in Mansa; and Khanauri, Moonak, Lehra, Sunam, and Chajli in Sangrur; as well as areas under Fatehgarh Sahib police station.
Utilizing its special authority under the Telegraph Act of 1885, the Centre has enforced the suspension of internet services in these Punjab areas.
"In exercise of the power conferred by section 7 of Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 read with Sub-rule 1 of Rule 2 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules 2017, and in the interest of maintaining public safety and averting public emergency, it is necessary and expedient to order, the temporary suspension of internet services from 00:00 Hrs on February 17, 2024 to 23:59 Hrs on February 24, 2024 in the following areas," stated the order.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann addressed the suspension of internet services in specific areas during a meeting on February 15 with three Union ministers and farmer representatives in Chandigarh.
Meanwhile, the Haryana government has suspended mobile internet services and bulk SMS in Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa districts.
The 'Delhi Chalo' protest, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, aims to mount pressure on the Centre to address various demands, including legislation on minimum support price for crops and loan waivers.
Despite commencing their 'Delhi Chalo' march on Tuesday, farmers from Punjab were halted by security forces at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana, where they continue to stage protests.
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