Haryana Suspends Internet in Ambala Amid Farmers’ Protest Concerns
Ahead of the third farmers’ march towards Delhi, the Haryana government has taken a significant step to maintain public order by suspending mobile internet and bulk SMS services in 12 villages of Ambala district. The suspension, which aims to ensure “public peace,” will last from 6 a.m. on December 14 to 11:59 p.m. on December 17, as per an official order by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Sumita Misra.
The decision comes as a group of 101 farmers is set to resume their foot march from the Shambhu border at noon today, demanding a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. The farmers are urging the government to engage in talks to address their longstanding grievances.
Why the Suspension Was Ordered
The order cites warnings from Haryana’s Additional Director General of Police (CID) and the Ambala Deputy Commissioner about the potential for unrest and property damage. Authorities fear the planned “Delhi Kooch” could disrupt peace in the region, leading to disturbances and harm to both public and private property.
The suspension of mobile internet and bulk SMS services affects the villages of Dangdehri, Lehgarh, Manakpur, Dadiyana, Bari Ghel, Choti Ghel, Lharsa, Kalu Majra, Devi Nagar (Hira Nagar, Naresh Vihar), Saddopur, Sultanpur, and Kakru. Voice calls, however, remain operational.
This measure follows a similar suspension imposed from December 6 to 9 during the farmers’ earlier attempts to march towards the national capital.
Heightened Security at the Border
A heavy security presence has been deployed along Haryana’s border with Punjab to prevent any escalation. The farmers’ first two attempts to march to Delhi, on December 6 and 8, were thwarted by Haryana’s security forces.
The order highlights concerns about the misuse of internet services, warning that inflammatory material and false rumors spread via platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter could incite violence and damage public and private property.
Farmers’ Unyielding Demands
The protesting farmers, primarily from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (a non-political alliance) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been demonstrating at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13. They are demanding legal assurances for MSP and have vowed to continue their peaceful agitation until their demands are met.
One farmer leader stated, “We are not looking for confrontation. Our fight is for justice and a sustainable future for farmers. We hope the government listens to us and resolves our issues amicably.”
A Balancing Act for the State
The suspension of mobile services aims to prevent public disorder and protect both commercial interests and citizens’ basic needs. While the move may help curb misinformation, it also raises concerns about restricting communication in the affected areas.
As tensions simmer, the coming days will reveal whether the Haryana government’s proactive measures will prevent unrest or further fuel the farmers’ resolve to press on with their demands.
The ongoing farmers’ protests highlight the deep-rooted challenges faced by India’s agricultural sector. While the suspension of internet services may ensure immediate peace, the resolution lies in meaningful dialogue between the farmers and the government. Will this latest march spark a breakthrough in the stalemate or deepen the divide? Only time will tell.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story. Share your thoughts on the farmers’ demands and the government’s response!
