The extension of the suspension of internet services continues in specific regions of several districts in Punjab, encompassing Patiala, Sangrur, and Fatehgarh Sahib until February 24, as directed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
Previously, internet services were halted from February 12 to 16 in anticipation of the farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' march.
As per the ministry's directive dated February 16, internet services will remain inactive in the regions 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 the Fatehgarh Sahib police station.
The central government invoked its special authority under the Telegraph Act of 1885 to implement the suspension of internet services in these specified areas of Punjab.
"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," the order stated.
During the February 15 meeting in Chandigarh between three Union ministers and farmer leaders, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann raised concerns regarding the suspension of internet services in select areas.
Meanwhile, the Haryana government has also imposed restrictions on mobile internet services and bulk SMS in districts such as Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa.
The 'Delhi Chalo' agitation, spearheaded by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, aims to exert pressure on the Centre regarding various demands, including legislation on minimum support price for crops and loan waivers. Since its initiation, farmers from Punjab have been stationed at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana.
