The Haryana government has suspended mobile internet, SMS, and dongle services in parts of Ambala from December 14 to December 17, citing concerns over the spread of misinformation and potential disruptions to public order. The move follows the “Delhi Kooch” call by farmers’ organizations amid ongoing protests.
The restrictions, effective from 6:00 AM on December 14 until 11:59 PM on December 17, cover villages like Dangdehri, Lohgarh, and Saddopur. Essential services such as voice calls, individual SMS, and broadband remain unaffected.
In an official statement, authorities expressed fears of law-and-order breakdown, saying, “There is apprehension of tension, agitation, and potential damage to public and private property. Misuse of internet services for spreading inflammatory material and false rumors could disrupt peace in the district.”
Farmers’ leader Sarwan Singh Pandher of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) announced that a group of 101 farmers would attempt to march to Delhi from the Shambhu border on Saturday. He reiterated the farmers’ commitment to their cause, now in its 307th day, and called for continued nationwide support.
The suspension order has been issued under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and aims to prevent violence, arson, or vandalism during the protests. The state government has directed telecom providers to ensure compliance.