Decision Comes as a Precautionary Measure Following Last Month's Outbreak of Communal Violence in Nuh

CHANDIGARH: In Anticipation of a 'Shobha Yatra' organized by Hindu organizations and scheduled to take place in Noh district, the Haryana government has ordered the temporary suspension of mobile internet and 'bulk SMS' services until August 28. This decision comes as a precautionary measure following last month's outbreak of communal violence in the district. The government aims to prevent the dissemination of rumors through social media platforms by individuals with malicious intent during or before the procession.

The Additional Chief Secretary (Home), TVSN Prasad, issued the directive on Saturday, mirroring a similar action taken previously when mobile internet services were suspended in Nuh due to the escalation of communal violence.

The Genesis of the violence can be traced back to July 31 when a mob attacked the 'Bridge Mandal Shobha Yatra' organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) in Nuh. The unfortunate incident resulted in the tragic deaths of six individuals, including two home guards and an imam.

The official order issued by Prasad emphasized, "This order is issued to maintain peace and public order in the jurisdiction of Nuh district, effective from August 26, 12:00 noon, until August 28, 11:59 at night."

Notably, On the preceding Friday, the Deputy Commissioner of Nuh district penned a letter to the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), detailing that the 'Sarva Jat Hindu Mahapanchayat' had extended an invitation for the 'Bridge Mandal Shobha Yatra' scheduled for August 28. Expressing concerns about potential misuse of social media platforms by certain elements, the Deputy Commissioner requested the issuance of necessary instructions. In response, Prasad's order, released on Saturday, outlined the temporary suspension of mobile internet and bulk SMS services, excluding those related to banking and mobile recharge.