Haryana halts internet services

Chandigarh: In anticipation of the farmers’ planned ‘Delhi Chalo’ march on February 13 and following the inputs received from intelligence, the Haryana government issued a directive to halt mobile internet services along with bulk SMS in seven districts adjoining Punjab. Mobile internet services, bulk SMS (excluding banking and mobile recharge) and all dongle services etc. provided on mobile networks except the voice calls will be inaccessible in Ambala, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad, Kurukshetra, and Sirsa districts from 6 am on February 11 until 23:59 pm on Feb 13. According to the orders issued by the Haryana Home Secretary TVSN Prasad in view of the call for farmers march/agitation given by certain organizations, there is an apprehension of causing tension, annoyance,
agitation, damage of public & private property and disturbance of public peace and tranquillity in the Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa districts.
Further, the orders state that in order to stop the spread of misinformation and rumours through various social media platforms, such as WhatsApp, Facebook Twitter, etc. on mobile phones and SMS, for facilitation and mobilisation of mobs of agitators and demonstrators who can cause serious loss of life and damage to public and private properties by indulging in arson or vandalism and other types of violent activities.