New Delhi, In response to ongoing farmers’ protests, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has extended the suspension of internet services in several districts of Punjab, including Patiala, Sangrur, and Fatehgarh Sahib, through February 24. This measure aims to manage the unrest associated with the agricultural demonstrations that have intensified in the region.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the initial suspension, effective from February 12 to 16, was enacted to mitigate the impact of the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march organized by protesting farmers. The decision to extend the internet blackout was made under special provisions of the Telegraph Act of 1885, affecting numerous police station areas across the affected districts.
The move has sparked concern from Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who voiced his apprehensions during a February 15 meeting in Chandigarh with three Indian ministers and representatives of the farmer leadership. In parallel, the Haryana government has also implemented restrictions on mobile internet services and bulk SMS across several of its districts.
The protests, spearheaded by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, focus on critical issues such as securing minimum support prices for crops and the provision of loan waivers. Despite attempts to advance towards Delhi, the farmers have been stopped at the borders between Punjab and Haryana, leading to ongoing sit-ins and demonstrations.