New Delhi (NVI): The Ministry of Home Affairs today ordered a temporary suspension of internet services in parts of Delhi and NCR region, amid clashes between farmers and police during the tractor rally.
The order was issued under Section 7 of the India Telegraph Act and approved by the Union Home Secretary.
“…in the interest of maintaining public safety and averting public emergency, it is necessary and expedient to order, the temporary suspension of internet services in the areas of Singhu, Ghazipur, Tikri, Mukarba Chowk and Nangloi and their adjoining areas in the NCT of Delhi from 12:00 hrs to 23:59 hrs on January 26.” the order read.
The internet services have also been suspended in Noida Sector 34, following the government’s instructions.
The farmers, who want the Centre to withdraw the three farm laws, were holding a tractor rally in the national capital after the Republic Day parade. However, the rally turned violent as several protestors clashes with the police. One protester died near ITO as his tractor overturned after he was shot at.
The protesting farmers also entered Red Fort in the national capital and hoisted their own flag there.
The clashes started at Singhu border in the morning where the police resorted to lathi-charge and tear gas to control the protesters.
Meanwhile, following the death of a protester and dozens of Delhi police personnel left injured, one of the key farmer groups has called off the tractor rally, accusing anti-social elements of being responsible for the violence.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a high-level meeting in the evening where he directed the deployment of additional paramilitary forces in Delhi. Punjab and Haryana have been placed under high alert.
-RJV/ARK
