Haryana suspended the internet in Nuh for 24 hours amid the Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra

The order suspended mobile internet and bulk SMS services for 24 hours amid security concerns for the Yatra.

Last year, violence ensued during the Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra when communal clashes erupted in Nuh after mobs attacked a religious procession organized by the Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal. Hence, this year, the Haryana government decided to suspend internet services in the Nuh district for 24 hours beforehand the Yatra.

The Haryana government suspended internet and SMS services in Nuh.

Recently, the Haryana government suspended internet and bulk SMS services in the Nuh district for 24 hours. The order was issued in the wake of the Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra that was marred last year by violence. The internet services were suspended from 6 pm Sunday, July 21, to 6 pm today, July 22. Speaking on the same was Haryana Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Anurag Rastogi, who stated in an order, “… 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..”

What did the SP in Nuh state about the issue?

Nuh SP Vijay Partap said on Sunday, July 21, that the suspension order was given “to stop the spread of misinformation and rumors” through social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, etc. He added, “It has been seen earlier that rumors are spread during such events. So, we have requested (service providers) to suspend internet services in the district from 6 pm today till 6 pm tomorrow. Its sole purpose is to control rumors and false propaganda.”

Officials say that last year, violence was triggered by a rumor that Bajrang Dal member and cow vigilante Monu Manesar, who was booked for murdering two Muslim men, would also be a part of the Yatra. Meanwhile, the Nuh police provided tight security arrangements to ensure the Yatra passes off smoothly.