Haryana’s Nuh District Implements Mobile Internet and Bulk SMS Suspension Ahead of Controversial Procession

Nuh, August 26, 2023: In response to potential law and order concerns, mobile internet and bulk SMS services have been suspended for a two-day period in Haryana’s Nuh district.

This decision comes after right-wing Hindutva groups announced their intent to proceed with a religious procession on August 28, despite the denial of permission by the district administration due to security apprehensions.

The state home department stated that the suspension aims to counter the spread of misinformation and rumors through various social media platforms. The order encompasses mobile internet services, bulk SMS (excluding banking and mobile recharge), and all dongle services.

The administration’s concerns revolve around the possibility of misusing mobile internet services and bulk SMS to incite mobs, potentially 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, effective from 12 pm today until August 28, takes into account public convenience by exempting individual SMS, mobile recharge, banking SMS, voice calls, broadband internet services, and lease lines for corporate and domestic households.

Members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal expressed their determination to proceed with the procession, which was disrupted on July 31 by stone pelting and subsequent communal clashes resulting in six deaths and 88 injuries. Despite the denial of permission, Surendra Jain, joint general secretary of VHP, emphasized their intent to resume the yatra as planned, asserting, “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.”

Amidst concerns for public safety and security, the district administration’s decision to suspend certain communication services aims to mitigate potential risks associated with the proposed procession.