In a move to curb the spread of misinformation and prevent mob mobilization, the Haryana state home department has suspended mobile internet and bulk SMS services in Nuh district for two days. This decision comes after right-wing Hindutva outfits, despite being denied permission by the district administration, declared they would not cancel their religious procession, the Brij Mandal Jal Abhishek Yatra, on August 28, citing security concerns.
The administration fears that mobile internet services and bulk SMS could be misused to mobilize mobs, leading to “serious loss of life and damage to public and private properties by indulging in arson or vandalism and other types of violent activities.”
The order, dated August 26, emphasizes that it was issued after considering public convenience by exempting individual SMS, mobile recharge, banking SMS, voice calls, and internet services provided by broadband and lease lines of corporate and domestic households.
- This ensures that the commercial/financial interest of the state and basic domestic needs of individuals are not affected.
- The order came into effect from 12 pm on August 26 and will remain in force until August 28.
Members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal said they had made elaborate plans to resume the procession that was disrupted on July 31 by stone-pelting and ensuing communal clashes, resulting in six deaths and 88 injuries.
Surendra Jain, joint general secretary of VHP, stated that they would take out the procession regardless. “It is our right, and we have planned it accordingly. Our security and safety is the responsibility of the administration and police, and they should provide us the same. We can control the number of devotees if required, but we will resume the yatra,” he said.
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