In response to ongoing farmer protests, the Haryana government has decided to suspend mobile internet services in 11 villages of Ambala district. This action is taken from December 6 to December 9 to ensure safety and prevent the spread of false information during the protests. The government has also banned bulk SMS in these areas.
The villages affected by the ban are Dangdehri, Lohgarh, Manakpur, Dadiyana, Bari Ghel, Lhars, Kalu Majra, Devi Nagar, Saddopur, Sultanpur, and Kakru. The internet suspension started on Friday afternoon and will last until 11:59 pm on December 9, according to an order by Sumita Misra, the Additional Chief Secretary (Home).
The ban is being enforced to avoid “tension, annoyance, agitation, and disturbance of public peace” in these areas. It comes as farmers plan to march to Delhi, demanding a law to guarantee a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops.
Prohibition on Gatherings
The Ambala district administration has also issued an order to stop any illegal gathering of five or more people in the district. No marches or processions are allowed, either on foot or in vehicles. All government and private schools in the district will remain closed during this period.
A strict security setup is already in place at the Shambhu border point on National Highway-44, which connects Rajpura in Punjab to Ambala in Haryana. The authorities are working to keep everything peaceful.
What Are the Farmers Demanding?
Farmers are demanding several things in addition to the MSP law. These include:
1. A waiver of farm loans.
2. A pension for farmers and farm workers.
3. No increase in electricity bills.
4. The withdrawal of police cases against farmers.
5. Justice for those involved in the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
6. Reinstating the 2013 Land Acquisition Act.
7. Compensation for the families of farmers who died during the previous protests in 2020-21.
8. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher called the 101 farmers marching to Delhi “marjeevras,” meaning people willing to fight for their cause at any cost.
