The government of Harayana imposed a ban on internet services and bulk SMS in Ambala Sadar, Panjokhra and Naggal regions of Ambala from February 28 to February 29 even as the farmers continue to protest at the borders. Recently, mobile internet services were restored on Sunday (February 25).
It shall remain in force from February 28 (00.01 hrs) to February 29 (23:59 hrs), according to the order. The decision was taken following a request received from the Ambala deputy commissioner on February 26 in view of the farmers' protest.
"Whereas there is a clear potential of disruption of public utilities, damage to public assets and amenities and disturbance of public law and order in district Ambala on account of misuse of internet services by way of spread of inflammatory material and false rumours," according to the order.
Earlier, the Haryana government extended the ban on mobile internet and bulk SMS services in seven districts till February 23 as the stalemate between farmer leaders and the Centre continues.
However, farmers leaders put the 'Delhi Chalo' march on hold for two days after a protester was killed and about 12 police personnel injured in clashes at Khanauri, one of the two protest sites on the Punjab-Haryana border.
Centre invites farmer leaders for fifth round of talks
Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, who arrived in Ranchi, once again reiterated that a solution can be achieved through talks.
"Several rounds of discussions have been held with farmer organisations over farmers issue. We have told them we will find a solution through discussions because issues are resolved only through dialogues. We should find a solution together so that it is beneficial for everyone. I am hopeful that together we will find a solution."
'Delhi Chalo' agitation
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are spearheading the 'Delhi Chalo' agitation to put pressure on the Centre to accept their demands, including a law on minimum support price (MSP) for crops and farm loan waiver. Protesting farmers from Punjab taking part in the march have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points of the state's border with Haryana.
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