The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has extended the suspension of internet services in specific areas of several Punjab districts, including Patiala, Sangrur, and Fatehgarh Sahib, until February 24. This decision follows the earlier suspension period from February 12 to 16, which was implemented in anticipation of the farmers’ ‘Delhi Chalo’ march.
As per the ministry’s order dated February 16, internet services will remain suspended in areas falling under various police stations, encompassing regions in Patiala, Mohali, Bathinda, Muktsar, Mansa, Sangrur, and Fatehgarh Sahib districts. The Centre invoked its special powers under the Telegraph Act of 1885 to enforce the internet services suspension in these specific areas.
The recent order stated, “In exercise of the power conferred by section 7 of the 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.”
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann addressed the issue of internet services suspension during the February 15 meeting between three Union ministers and farmer leaders in Chandigarh. The ‘Delhi Chalo’ agitation, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, aims to exert pressure on the Centre to address demands such as enacting a law on minimum support prices for crops and granting loan waivers.
The farmers from Punjab initiated the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march on Tuesday, encountering resistance from security personnel at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana.
