Mobile Internet In Haryana's Sirsa Suspended Till August 8 | Here's Why

Sirsa: The Haryana government has suspended mobile internet and bulk SMS services in Sirsa till August 8, in the wake of the death of religious leader Bahadur Chand Vakil. The state government’s order has come up in order to prevent any disturbance of peace and harmony in the district. Not only this, the government has also warned that any person found guilty of violation of the order will be liable for legal action under relevant provisions of law.

The death of Bahadur Chand Vakil, the head of Dera Jagmalwali has led to a massive outrage among his supporters, who suspected a conspiracy behind the death of their religious leader. The supporters staged massive protests in Fatehabad on Tuesday demanding a CBI probe into the matter.

Supporters Demand CBI Probe

Meanwhile, the Haryana government, in an official order, stated that there is risk of tension, annoyance, agitation, damage of public and private property and disturbance of public peace and tranquility in the district.

"There is a potential of disruption of "public utilities, damage to public assets and amenities and disturbance of public law and order in Sirsa on account of misuse of internet services by way of spread of inflammatory material and false rumours," the order, issued by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Anurag Rastogi, reads.

The state government further said that the decision has been taken in an attempt to stop the spread of misinformation through various social media platforms, such as WhatsApp, Facebook and X, for the "facilitation and mobilisation" of mobs of agitators who can cause "serious loss of life and damage to public and private properties" by indulging in arson or vandalism and other types of violent activities.

"It is emphasised that this order is being issued after taking utmost care of public convenience by exempting individual SOS, mobile recharge, banking SMS, voice calls, and internet services provided by broadband and leased lines of corporate and domestic households, thus not affecting the commercial/financial Interest of the State and basic domestic needs of individuals," the order read.