CHANDIGARH: The Haryana government has imposed a shutdown of the mobile internet in 7 districts due to the growing tension ahead of the farmers’ march to New Delhi on February 13.
The districts where the government has decided to stop internet services include Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa.
According to the order issued by the government, the mobile internet service ban will be implemented in the seven districts from 6 am on February 11 (Sunday) to 11 pm on February 13 (Tuesday).
Not only that the borders between Punjab and Haryana in Ambala, Jind and Fatehabad districts will be closed before the Delhi march on February 13. The march has been called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha.
Over 200 farmers’ unions will participate in the protest march.
The farmers are protesting on issues like legal assurance for Minimum Support Price (MSP), Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations’ implementation, pensions for farmers and farm labourers, farm debt cut and others.
Haryana, Rajasthan seal border with Punjab, impose Sec 144
Police and district administration of Ambala have appealed to motorists to use alternate routes or follow the traffic diversions introduced by the police on these routes. (PTI)
In addition to sealing the Punjab borders and suspending internet services ahead of the Dilli Chalo call by farmer bodies, authorities in Haryana have enforced prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC in 15 out of the total 22 districts in the state.
According to the restrictions, any protests or marches using tractor-trolleys are prohibited in these 15 districts. A police spokesperson mentioned that the media monitoring cell is keeping an eye on mischievous elements. The police have also appealed to the public not to share any unverified content on social media. The spokesperson emphasized, “The law is equal for all, and those who obstruct law and order will be dealt with severely.”
The police have urged commuters heading to Punjab to stay updated on advisories released by the Haryana police.
After Haryana, now Rajasthan has closed its borders with Punjab at Sadhuwali location in Sri Ganganagar district. Additionally, Section 144 has been imposed in Sri Ganganagar district of Rajasthan, which borders Punjab’s Fazilka, Muktsar, and Bathinda districts. Many farmer unions in Rajasthan had already announced their participation in the Dilli Chalo call by SKM, a non-political organization, and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. Even during the agitation against farm laws, farmers from Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Sangria, etc., participated in the kisan aandolan against the farm laws. Despite the barricading done by Rajasthan, farmers claim they will still reach Delhi.
