Nuh clashes: Suspension of mobile internet services extended till Aug 8; curfew relaxed for 3 hours

Nuh clashes: Suspension of mobile internet services extended till Aug 8; curfew relaxed for 3 hours

Amid the continued violence in Haryana, the state government has taken the decision to extend the ban on mobile Internet services in the Nuh district until August 8. The order was issued by the Haryana Home Secretary in response to the prevailing critical and tense conditions in the district.

According to an official statement, the Deputy Commissioner of Nuh reported that the law and order situation in the district remains highly concerning. As a result, the ban on mobile Internet services has been extended as a precautionary measure to control the dissemination of information and maintain public safety.

During such sensitive situations, authorities often resort to restricting mobile Internet services to prevent the spread of rumors, misinformation, and any content that could potentially exacerbate the violence or unrest. While this measure aims to ensure the safety and security of the public, it can also impact communication and access to essential services for residents in the affected region.

As the situation evolves, the state government and concerned authorities will likely continue to monitor the conditions closely and assess whether further extensions or modifications to the ban on mobile Internet services are necessary to restore stability and peace in the district.

In the official statement, the Haryana Home Secretary provided a rationale for the extension of the ban on mobile Internet services in the Nuh district. The decision was based on the “considered view” that there is a clear potential for disruption of public utilities, damage to public assets and amenities, and disturbance of public law and order in the district.

The Home Secretary expressed concern over the misuse of Internet services, particularly through the spread of inflammatory material and false rumors. These harmful contents were deemed to be transmitted and circulated to the public through various channels, including social media platforms, messaging services on mobile Internet, SMS services, and other dongle services.

The primary reason for extending the ban was to mitigate the risks associated with the dissemination of such inflammatory and false information. In times of unrest and tension, misinformation can exacerbate the situation, leading to public disturbances and violence. Restricting Internet services is seen as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of such content, with the intention of maintaining law and order, safeguarding public safety, and protecting public assets and utilities.

While this decision seeks to control the flow of information that could potentially incite violence or public unrest, it may also have implications for communication and access to information for the residents of the district. The temporary restriction is aimed at curbing the misuse of Internet services while authorities work to address the underlying issues contributing to the unrest.

The state government and relevant authorities will closely monitor the situation during the extended ban period and assess its effectiveness in curbing potential disruptions to public order and safety. At the same time, efforts to restore normalcy and address the root causes of the unrest are likely to continue alongside measures to maintain peace and stability in the Nuh district.

Prior to the recent extension of the ban on mobile Internet and SMS services in the Nuh district, the Haryana government had initially suspended these services in response to the riot situation. The suspension was put in place after violence erupted between two groups on Monday, July 31, resulting in the loss of six lives, including two Home Guards.

In an effort to control the situation and prevent further escalation, the government decided to restrict access to mobile Internet and SMS services in the district. Such measures are commonly taken during periods of unrest to limit the dissemination of inflammatory content and false rumors through digital platforms. The intention is to curb the potential spread of misinformation and rumors that could add to the tension and exacerbate the violence.

Following the outbreak of violence, the Haryana Police took swift action and informed that they had arrested as many as 141 individuals allegedly involved in the incidents. In connection with the violence, the police registered 55 First Information Reports (FIRs) against those suspected of being responsible for the unrest.

The extension of the suspension of Internet services, as mentioned in the earlier statement, reflects the ongoing concern over the potential for disruption of public utilities, damage to public assets, and disturbance of public law and order due to the misuse of digital communication platforms.

The Haryana government and relevant authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely and assess the effectiveness of these measures in maintaining peace and stability in the district. While the restrictions on Internet services may be seen as necessary for controlling the situation, efforts to address the underlying issues and maintain public safety are likely to be ongoing. Restoring normalcy and promoting communal harmony in the affected area will be essential priorities for the authorities during this challenging period.