The suspension of internet services in certain areas of Punjab has raised concerns amid the ongoing farmers’ ‘Delhi Chalo’ agitation. The decision to extend the internet shutdown until February 24, as ordered by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, has sparked debates about the implications for freedom of expression and communication, as well as the impact on the protest movement.
The suspension of internet services in specific districts, including Patiala, Sangrur, and Fatehgarh Sahib, comes as a response to the farmers’ ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, which began on February 12. Initially, the internet shutdown was scheduled to last from February 12 to 16, but it has now been extended further.
The order to suspend internet services was made under the Telegraph Act of 1885, granting the government special powers to take such actions in the interest of public safety and to avert public emergencies. The affected areas include several police station jurisdictions in various districts, where the suspension aims to maintain public order and prevent the spread of misinformation.
However, the decision to extend the internet shutdown has drawn criticism from various quarters. Civil society organizations, human rights activists, and opposition parties have raised concerns about the impact on freedom of expression and access to information. They argue that the blanket suspension of internet services infringes upon the fundamental rights of citizens and disrupts normal life, particularly during a period of civil unrest.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed his reservations about the internet shutdown during a meeting between Union ministers and farmer leaders on February 15. He highlighted the adverse effects of the suspension on communication and urged for a reconsideration of the decision. Despite these appeals, the extension of the internet shutdown was upheld by the central government.
The internet blackout has also affected various aspects of daily life, including education, healthcare, and business operations. Students relying on online classes, patients seeking telemedicine services, and businesses requiring internet connectivity for transactions have been adversely impacted by the suspension of services. Additionally, the shutdown has disrupted communication channels for residents, hindering their ability to stay connected with family and friends.
Furthermore, the suspension of internet services has implications for the protest movement itself. Social media platforms and messaging apps have been instrumental in organizing and coordinating demonstrations, disseminating information, and mobilizing support for the farmers’ cause. The lack of internet access limits the protesters’ ability to communicate with each other and share updates about the ongoing agitation.
The ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, organized by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, aims to press the central government to address key demands, including the implementation of a law guaranteeing minimum support prices for agricultural produce and the provision of loan waivers for farmers. The suspension of internet services at border points between Punjab and Haryana has led to a standoff between security personnel and protesting farmers, who have been camped out at these locations since the beginning of the agitation.
In response to the internet shutdown, the Haryana government has also suspended mobile internet services and bulk SMS in several districts, further exacerbating the communication challenges faced by protesters and residents alike.
As the ‘Delhi Chalo’ agitation continues, stakeholders remain divided over the necessity and proportionality of the internet shutdown. While some argue that it is essential for maintaining law and order, others view it as a disproportionate measure that infringes upon basic rights. As the situation unfolds, the impact of the internet blackout on the protest movement and the broader implications for freedom of expression and communication will continue to be closely monitored.