The government of Punjab has extended the suspension of mobile internet and SMS services in two districts, Tarn Taran and Ferozepur, until March 24th. This decision was made in the interest of public safety and to prevent any incitement to violence or disturbance of peace and public order, according to an order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Justice of the state. However, broadband services have not been suspended, and essential services such as banking and hospital services will not be disrupted.
The notice stated that all mobile internet services, all SMS services (excluding banking and mobile recharge), and all dongle services provided on mobile networks, except voice calls, in the territorial jurisdiction of Punjab, shall continue to remain suspended from March 23 (1200 hours) to March 24 (1200 hours) only in the districts Tarn Taran and Ferozepur in continuation of this office order number 1821 dated March 21.