Haryana government ordered the suspension of mobile internet and bulk SMS services in Nuh district for 24 hours. This measure was taken in response to security concerns surrounding the Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra, which experienced violence last year. The suspension will be in effect from 6pm Sunday to 6pm Monday.
“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..,” Haryana Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi stated.
The suspension order was issued “to stop the spread of misinformation and rumors” through social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, and others.
At least five individuals were slain in communal confrontations that broke out last year during the Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra in Nuh and spread to neighboring districts, including two house guards and a mosque’s naib imam.
Meanwhile, the Nuh Police said strong security measures have been prepared to ensure the Yatra runs successfully. According to media reports, the whole yatra route would be watched using CCTV cameras and drones. Ten interstate and inter-district checkpoints would allegedly be installed during the evenings of July 21 and July 22.
Weapons such as swords, spears, tridents, knives, handguns, hockey sticks, and batons are strictly prohibited from being carried in automobiles. A special team has been established to monitor social media for any false information that might jeopardize societal cohesion.
The meat, fish, and poultry businesses along the yatra route will be closed on July 22. Meat merchants have been instructed to either close their stores or shift to other locations away from the procession path.