The Department of Home Affairs in Haryana has taken the decision to suspend mobile internet services in Nuh district from September 17 to September 19, 2023. The suspension has been imposed due to concerns about potential unrest, the spread of misinformation, and the need to maintain public peace and tranquility in the district.
In an official letter issued by the Home Department, it was stated that the decision to suspend mobile internet services was made to prevent the spread of misinformation and rumors that often circulate through SMS and social media platforms. The government expressed concerns about the possible consequences, including tension, annoyance, agitation, damage to public and private property, and disturbances to public peace.
The suspension of mobile internet services in Nuh district will affect various technologies, including 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, CDMA, and GPRS. During this period, all dongle services will remain closed, with the exception of banking and mobile recharge services.
The government’s official statement indicated that the suspension aimed to combat the dissemination of misinformation and rumors through social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter. The goal is to prevent the facilitation and mobilization of agitators and demonstrators who could engage in violent activities, causing harm to lives and property through arson, vandalism, and other forms of violence.
This suspension of mobile internet services follows a previous action taken on September 15, after the arrest of Congress MLA Mamman Khan in connection with the Nuh violence that occurred on July 31. The Haryana government had suspended mobile internet and bulk SMS services in the district for two days. While the government order for this suspension did not explicitly mention Khan’s arrest as the reason, it aimed to maintain peace and public order in the Nuh district.
The temporary suspension of mobile internet services is becoming an increasingly common measure taken by governments to control the spread of misinformation and unrest, particularly during sensitive situations or periods of civil unrest.