Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra: Internet services suspended for 24 hrs in Nuh

Ahead of Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra, Haryana Government on Sunday issued an order for suspension of internet services for 24 hours from 9 pm on July 13 (Sunday) to 9 pm on July 14 (Monday). However, the SMS services related to banking and mobile recharge will continue as before. According to a government’s official spokesperson, the order was issued by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, aiming for smooth management of law and order in the area.

As per the government directive, there is a strong likelihood of disruption to public utilities, damage to public assets and amenities, and a threat to law and order in Nuh district due to the misuse of internet services. “It has been brought to my notice by ADGP/CID, Haryana and Deputy Commissioner, Nuh vide their requests dated on July 13 that there is an apprehension of causing tension, annoyance, agitation, damage of public and private property and disturbance of public peace and tranquility in the district Nuh,” a government directive said.

The spokesperson informed that in view of potential of disruption of public utilities, damage to public assets and amenities and disturbance of public law and order in district Nuh, mobile internet services has been suspended to stop the spread of misinformation and rumours through various social media platforms, such as Whatsapp, Facebook Twitter, etc on mobile phones and SMS.

“This order has been issued after taking utmost care of public convenience by exempting individual SMS, mobile recharge, banking SMS, voice calls, internet services provided by broadband and lease lines of corporate and domestic households, thus not affecting the commercial or financial interest of the State and basic domestic needs of individuals,” said the spokesperson.

The spokesperson said that all telecom service providers of Haryana have been directed to ensure the compliance of this order. Any person found guilty of the violation of the order will be liable for legal action under relevant provisions of law, he added.

Moreover, a police officer said that around 2,500 police personnel will be deployed during the Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra on July 14. A holiday in government and private schools in Haryana's Nuh district has also been announced, he added.

He further said that 14 DSPs have been deployed and 28 checkpoints set up at various locations along the route of the yatra. At the checkpoints, videography and thorough checking will be conducted to ensure the safety and security of participants. In addition, mounted police, sniffer dogs, a bomb squad, four drones, 21 video cameras, and commando personnel will be deployed.

“People coming and going in the yatra will also be monitored through good quality CCTV cameras. Apart from Tiranga Park, Badkali Chowk, and KMP Rewasan Bridge, one DSP and a large police force will be present along with the yatra. Complete caution is being taken by Nuh Police," said Police officer added.

Additionally, in a letter, Deputy Commissioner Vishram Kumar Meena informed the district education officer that a holiday has been announced in government and private schools on July 14.

“It is anticipated that major traffic diversions will be enforced across several routes within Nuh to ensure smooth movement of the procession on July 14. Due to these diversions, school-going children are likely to face difficulties in commuting to and from their schools. Therefore, as a precautionary measure and in the interest of the safety and convenience of the students, it is advised that all government and private schools in District Nuh shall remain closed on Monday (July 14),” the letter read.