Haryana Govt Suspends Mobile Internet Amid Farmers’ ‘Delhi Kooch’ Call

"Amid ongoing protests, Haryana enforces communication restrictions in Ambala to maintain public order as farmers prepare for intensified demonstrations."

Ambala (Haryana), December 14: The Haryana government has temporarily suspended mobile internet, SMS, and dongle services in Ambala district from December 14 to 17 to curb the spread of misinformation and prevent law-and-order disruptions amid the farmers' "Delhi Kooch" call.

The restrictions, effective from December 14, 6:00 AM, to December 17, 11:59 PM, apply to specific villages, including Dangdehri, Lohgarh, and Saddopur. Essential services like voice calls, broadband, and individual SMS for banking and other critical communications remain operational.

Citing the potential misuse of social media platforms to incite unrest, the Haryana Home Secretary invoked Section 20 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and Rule (3) of the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024, to enforce the suspension. "This order is issued to prevent disturbances of peace, arson, vandalism, and potential damage to public and private properties," the official order stated.

The decision comes as the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) announced that a group of 101 farmers would march to Delhi from the Shambhu border on Saturday. KMM leader Sarwan Singh Pandher stated that the protest has entered its 307th day, with farmers awaiting a response from the Centre on contentious agricultural issues.

"The whole country supports us, but the Prime Minister and the Union Agriculture Minister have remained silent. The government’s agencies are working to weaken the movement, but farmers across Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh remain resolute in their demands," Pandher told ANI.

Farmers’ Persistent Demands

The farmers' agitation continues to gain momentum, with demands that include a guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops and addressing concerns over contentious agricultural reforms. Protest sites near Delhi’s borders have turned into epicentres of resistance, with thousands of farmers enduring harsh conditions in makeshift camps.

Drone visuals from the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu border revealed farmers blocking roads with vehicles in preparation for intensified demonstrations aimed at pressuring the government into action.

The protests, which have drawn nationwide support, highlight ongoing frustrations over perceived government inaction and the broader impacts of agricultural policies on the farming community.