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Amid a protracted standoff between the Haryana government and farmers, the former has chosen to extend the prohibition on mobile internet and bulk SMS services in seven districts through February 23. After the initial ban was scheduled to end on February 19, this extension has resulted in a challenging communication environment in the affected areas.
Bulk SMS and all dongle services offered on mobile networks are prohibited, as per an official statement from the Haryana government. Voice calls are not impacted by the restriction, however. Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad, and Sirsa are among the districts impacted by this instruction.
The government’s ongoing attempts to control the situation and uphold law and order amid the protests are demonstrated by the decision to extend the ban. The bulk SMS and mobile internet services have been suspended; this is perceived as a control mechanism over the communication and information flow within the designated districts.
Residents in the impacted areas have been debating and worrying about relocation as it will directly influence their capacity to do business, obtain information, and maintain relationships with friends and family. Businesses and people who depend on bulk SMS services for a variety of reasons suffer additional difficulties as a result of the restrictions on these services.
Tensions between the agricultural community and the government have escalated as a result of the farmer standoff, which has been going on for several months. The decision to prolong the ban on mobile internet usage indicates that strict action is being taken by the authorities to stop the dissemination of false information and to keep the peace in the community during this crucial time.
Critics contend that these communication limitations violate citizens’ fundamental rights, especially in a time when digital communication is essential to daily life. However, supporters of the government’s actions argue that these steps are required to stop the protests from getting worse and from becoming a threat to public safety.
