Govt orders temporary shut down of internet services at protest sites in Delhi-NCR

Jan. 26: As the farmers’ tractor parade turned violent with a clash breaking out between police personnel and protesters in the national capital, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued an order for temporary suspension of internet services in parts of the National Capital. The government order was sent to telecom service providers directing temporary suspension of internet services in areas of Singhu, Ghazipur, Tikri, Mukarba Chowk and Nangloi and their adjoining areas.

With the farmers’ tractor rally turning violent on Tuesday during the 72nd Republic Day, “Government has invoked Temporary Suspension of Telecom Sevices (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017 in the interest of maintaining public safety and averting public emergency to suspend internet services in areas closer to farmers protest sites.”

The protesting farmers, led by a front of 40 unions, had secured the police permission to hold the rally on the outskirts of the city. By afternoon, hundreds of protesters reached the Red Fort and hoisted a yellow flag on the historic monument.