Tension escalated at the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu border on Saturday as police deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse farmers attempting to march towards the national capital, Delhi. The farmers, under the banner of various unions, had gathered in large numbers to resume their “Dilli Chalo” march, demanding a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and resolution of other long-pending issues.
According to officials, the police resorted to force as protesters attempted to breach barricades set up at the border. Farmers, carrying flags and raising slogans, remained steadfast, demanding justice for their grievances.
Thousands of farmers have begun their march towards Delhi, with many already reaching the protest site at the Delhi-Haryana border. The farmers, who are demanding a repeal of the three farm laws passed by the government, have been gathering at the site since early morning. Despite appeals from the government to call off their protest, the farmers have remained resolute in their demands. The farmers' leaders have made it clear that they will not back down until their demands are met
The Haryana government on Sunday suspended mobile internet and bulk SMS services in 12 villages of Ambala district to maintain public peace ahead of the farmers resuming their protest march towards Delhi. The suspension order will remain in force till December 17, according to an official notification issued by Additional Principal Secretary (Home) Sumita Mishra.
On farmers’ protest, Haryana Minister Anil Vij said, “The Supreme Court is hearing the case and has asked for some time. The Supreme Court has suggested that the farmers should pass their protest for some time. I think the farmers should listen to the court.”
Internet shutdown to maintain law and order
The order said the suspension was a way to prevent misinformation, inflammatory material, and false information that could disrupt public peace and wider law and order. The affected villages include Dangdehri, Lehgarh, Manakpur, Dadiyana, Bari Ghel, Choti Ghel, Lharsa, Kalu Majra, Devi Nagar, Saddopur, Sultanpur, and Kakru.
“The misuse of internet services via social media platforms and messaging services can facilitate the mobilization of agitators, potentially causing violence, arson, and damage to public and private property,” the order noted.
The government clarified that essential services like personal SMS, mobile recharge, bank SMS, voice calls, and broadband internet would not be affected and therefore public inconvenience.
Farmers resume march to Delhi
A group of 101 farmers will resume their journey from Shambhu border on the Punjab-Haryana border to Delhi on Sunday afternoon. Farmers are demanding a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops and urging the Center to negotiate to address their grievances.
The protestors, under the banners of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points since February 13 after their earlier march to Delhi was halted by security forces.
Heavy security deployment at border points
Authorities have deployed significant security forces on the Haryana side of the border to maintain order and prevent any untoward incidents during the march.
Previous internet suspension in Haryana
This is not the first instance of internet suspension in Haryana related to the farmers’ protests. Earlier, the state government suspended mobile internet, bulk SMS, and dongle services from December 6 to 9 for similar reasons.
Government’s stand
The latest suspension order highlights the potential risks posed by social media and messaging platforms during mass mobilizations, citing concerns about disruptions to public utilities, damage to assets, and risks to public safety.
Farmers’ demands
The farmers remain steadfast in their demands, including legal MSP guarantees and discussions with the central government to resolve their concerns. As the march progresses, the situation continues to be closely monitored by authorities.
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