Nuh: The Haryana government has suspended mobile Internet and bulk SMS services in the district following the arrest of Congress MLA Mamman Khan in connection with the July 31 Nuh violence.
Nuh witnessed heavy police deployment on Friday, with Section 144 of the CrPC imposed across the district. Along with additional police personnel from neighbouring districts, RAF has also been deployed in Nuh.
However, it’s worth noting that the government order does not explicitly mention Khan’s arrest.
“This order is issued to prevent any disturbance of peace and public order in the jurisdiction of district Nuh in the state of Haryana and shall be in force with effect from September 15 (10:00hrs) to September 16 (23:59hrs),” says the order issued by Home Department Additional Chief Secretary T V S N Prasad.
Prasad said the decision was taken after the Nuh deputy commissioner wrote to him on Thursday expressing apprehension there could be tension, agitation, damage of public and private property, and disturbance of peace and tranquillity in the district.
The additional chief secretary agreed there is a clear potential for disruption of public utilities, damage to assets and amenities and disturbance of law and order in Nuh on account of misuse of Internet services.
He said inflammatory material and false rumours are being or could be circulated to the public through social media and messaging services through Internet, SMS and dongle services.
“In order to stop the spread of misinformation and rumours through various social media platforms, such as WhatsApp, Facebook Twitter, etc. on mobile phones and SMS, for facilitation and mobilisation of mobs of agitators and demonstrators who can cause serious loss of life and damage to public and private properties by indulging in arson or vandalism and other types of violent activities, the mobile internet has been suspended,” he said.
Khan, the Ferozepur Jhirka legislator, was named an accused in an FIR lodged after the clashes. He was arrested late last night, the Haryana Police said.
Adequate police forces have been deployed in the entire Nuh district following Khan’s arrest. Tight security arrangement has been made in and around the court complex where Khan is expected to be produced by the police later in the day.
