Internet services ban in Seven-Punjab-Districts, Till February 24: MHA

Internet services ban in Seven-Punjab-Districts, Till February 24: MHA

Asif Iqbal | February 18, 2024 | 06:10 PM IST | Breaking News, Punjab | Follow on Google News

Internet services ban in Seven-Punjab-Districts, Till February 24: MHA……image/Google

Internet services ban in Seven-Punjab-Districts, Till February 24: MHA

The Union Home Ministry (MHA) has taken decisive action amid the ongoing farmers’ protest, imposing a temporary ban on internet services in seven districts of Punjab. The ban, effective until February 24, is a measure aimed at maintaining public safety and averting potential public emergencies.

Affected Districts and Legal Basis for the Ban

The districts affected by this internet services ban include Patiala, SAS Nagar, Bathinda, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Mansa, Sangrur, and Fatehgarh Sahib. The MHA cites its authority under Section 7 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, along with Sub-rule 1 of Rule 2 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules 2017, as the legal basis for this decision.

The order from the MHA emphasizes the necessity and expediency of the temporary suspension, explicitly stating its concern for public safety in light of the ongoing protests by farmers in the region.

Haryana’s Extension of Mobile Internet Ban

In a related development, the Haryana government has extended its ban on mobile internet and bulk SMS services in seven districts until February 19. This decision comes in response to the ‘Delli Chalo’ call given by farmers’ organizations. The suspension of mobile internet, initially set to last until February 15, now encompasses Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa.

The notification issued by the Haryana administration specifies that bulk SMS and dongle services on mobile networks, excluding voice calls, will remain suspended in the mentioned districts.

Ongoing Farmer Protest and Negotiations

As the farmers’ protest at the Shambhu border continues into its sixth day, leaders of the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee have highlighted ongoing talks with the government. The leaders revealed that the government has requested time to discuss the matter with union ministers, indicating a potential resolution.

On the sixth day at the Shambhu border, the committee’s general secretary, Sarvan Singh Pandher, mentioned the ongoing dialogue with the government. The government’s commitment to discussing the matter with union ministers raises hopes for a resolution to the current impasse.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.