Internet services have been further suspended in specific areas of select Punjab districts, like Patiala, Sangrur, and Fatehgarh Sahib, until February 24 under the directive of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. The initial suspension, which was in place from February 12 to 16 due to the farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' protest, has now been extended as per the ministry's order issued on February 16.
According to the ministry's February 16 order, internet services will remain suspended in areas falling under Shambhu, Julkan, Passian, Patran, Shatrana, Samana, Ghanaur, Devigarh and Balbhera police stations in Patiala; Lalru police station in Mohali; Sangat police station in Bathinda; Killianwali police station in Muktsar; Sardulgarh and Boha police stations in Mansa; and Khanauri, Moonak, Lehra, Sunam and Chajli police stations in Sangrur; and areas under Fatehgarh Sahib police station, as quoted in a report by Times of India. The Centre suspended internet service in these Punjab areas using its special powers under the Telegraph Act of 1885.
Photo Credits: Indian Express
"In exercise of the power conferred by section 7 of Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 read with Sub-rule 1 of Rule 2 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules 2017, and in the interest of maintaining public safety and averting public emergency, it is necessary and expedient to order, the temporary suspension of internet services from 00:00 Hrs on February 17, 2024 to 23:59 Hrs on February 24, 2024 in the following areas," the order read.
During a meeting between three Union ministers and farmer leaders in Chandigarh on February 15, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann raised the issue of internet service suspension in specific areas. The Haryana government has suspended mobile internet and bulk SMS services in the districts of Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa.
The fourth round of talks is scheduled for today in Chandigarh
Three Union Ministers and farmer leaders will meet in Chandigarh at 6 p.m. to discuss their demands, which include a legal guarantee of MSP for crops and a farm debt waiver. The meeting comes as thousands of farmers remain at the Shambhu and Khanauri points on the Punjab-Haryana border, with layers of barricades and a large number of security personnel halting their protest march to the national capital.
Ministers and farmer leaders had previously met on February 8, 12, and 15, but the talks were inconclusive. Union Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Minister Arjun Munda, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai will attend the meeting with farmer leaders. Farmers in the 'Delhi Chalo' agitation, which entered its sixth day today, are also demanding the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, a pension for farmers and farm labourers, and the withdrawal of police cases.
Thousands of farmers from Punjab have gathered at three points along the Haryana border, where they have been prevented from marching to Delhi. Protesters seek legally guaranteed MSP for crops, debt waiver, cancellation of international agreements affecting agriculture, and a minimum pension of ₹5,000 for farmers and agricultural labour.
During a crucial meeting, union leaders called on the Centre to pass an ordinance ensuring a legal guarantee for MSP, while demonstrations were held in support of farmers in Punjab and Haryana with a tractor march and dharnas. Previous meetings between the two sides took place on February 8, 12, and 15.
(Inputs from agencies)
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