Nuh: Regarding potential security concerns, mobile internet, and bulk SMS services have been temporarily suspended in Nuh, Haryana. This decision comes after right-wing Hindutva organizations announced their intent to continue with their religious procession on August 28 despite the district administration denying permission due to safety apprehensions. The event is the Brij Mandal Jal Abhishek Yatra, which the groups are determined to undertake in Nuh.
The Haryana State Home Department has clarified its stance. Spending these services has been deemed necessary to prevent the spread of potential misinformation or unverified information, especially on social media platforms. The overarching concern is the potential misuse of these communication channels to rally large groups, which might escalate into situations causing damage to life and property.
The order, issued on August 26, carefully emphasizes that it aims to minimize public inconvenience. Exceptions include individual SMS, voice calls, internet services via broadband, banking SMS, mobile recharges, and corporate and household lease lines. This ensures that the state’s financial interests and the residents’ basic needs are not compromised.
Effective from 12pm on the day the order was issued, the suspension will remain until the evening of August 28.
In the backdrop of this is an incident from July 31, where a previous procession by members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal was interrupted due to stone-throwing and subsequent communal clashes, resulting in six fatalities and 88 injuries. Surendra Jain, VHP’s joint general secretary, asserted their right to continue with the yatra, emphasizing the administration’s responsibility for ensuring their safety. He conveyed a strong intent to proceed with their planned yatra, reiterating the importance of the event for their community.