In a move aimed at preventing communal tensions, the Haryana government has suspended internet services and bulk SMS messaging in district of Nuh starting Sunday night. The restrictions will remain in place until 9 PM on Monday.
The decision comes ahead of the Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra, a religious procession that has previously sparked unrest. In 2023, violence during the same event had resulted in two deaths and multiple injuries to law enforcement officers. Authorities are determined to avoid a repetition of such scenarios.
As per official orders from the Home Department, platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and X will be inaccessible during the shutdown. The ban also extends to bulk messaging services via mobile phones. However, essential services such as banking operations and mobile recharges will continue without interruption.
The Haryana government says the move is intended to prevent the spread of rumors, fake news, and inflammatory content, which often travel quickly through social media.
Heavy Security Deployment
To further tighten security, 2,500 police personnel have been deployed across key locations in the district. The administration has also ordered all schools- both private and government, to remain closed on Monday as a safety measure.
Security has been stepped up in sensitive areas, and police teams are closely monitoring online activity. Special cyber surveillance units have been tasked with scanning social media platforms for any content that could incite unrest.
Authorities are urging people to stay calm, avoid spreading unverified information, and report any attempts to disturb the peace. Police have warned that anyone found sharing false or misleading content could face strict legal consequences.
Restrictions on Meat Shops and Fuel Sales
In addition to communication curbs, meat shops along the yatra route will remain closed until July 24. Fuel stations have also been instructed not to sell petrol or diesel in loose containers between 6 AM and 12 noon- a preventive measure to avoid potential misuse.
Controversial cow vigilante Bittu Bajrangi, who has faced criticism for inflammatory remarks in the past, has been denied permission to join the yatra. His social media accounts have been suspended as a precaution to prevent provocative content from surfacing during this sensitive period.
Preventive Approach
Officials say the collective set of measures is not a response to any immediate threat, but a pre-emptive strategy to maintain peace and ensure the religious event proceeds without disruption. ‘This is about maintaining law and order, not restricting freedoms,’ said a senior police official. ‘We’re asking citizens to cooperate and stay away from anything that could disturb communal harmony.’
The message from the state is clear: public safety comes first, and there will be zero tolerance for misinformation or attempts to stoke tensions.
