Internet, SMS services suspended in Nuh; tight security ahead of Brij Mandal Yatra in Haryana's Nuh

Gurugram: Authorities have imposed multiple restrictions and heightened security in Haryana’s Nuh district to ensure the peaceful conduct of the Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra scheduled for Monday, officials said.

District Magistrate Vishram Kumar Meena on Sunday issued an order under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code, 2023, banning the carrying of all weapons, including licensed arms, firearms, swords, sticks, tridents, rods, knives and chains. Only the sheathed kirpan, worn as a religious symbol by members of the Sikh community, has been exempted.

The use of DJs, loudspeakers or sound-amplifying devices with content that is religiously provocative or hurts the sentiments of any community will also be strictly prohibited during the yatra, the order read.

The district administration has also banned the sale of meat along the yatra route starting Sunday. Meat shops along the Kanwar route are to remain closed till July 24.

Internet services have been suspended in the area and drone surveillance has been activated, an official said.

The Haryana government on Sunday ordered suspension of mobile internet, bulk SMS services (excluding banking and mobile recharge), and all dongle services provided on mobile networks, except voice calls, in Nuh district for 24 hours -- from 9 pm on July 13 to 9 pm on July 14.

According to the State Home Department’s order, the move is aimed at preventing the spread of misinformation and rumours through social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook and X, and to check any mobilisation of agitators or demonstrators who could indulge in arson, vandalism or other violent activities, causing loss of life and property.

According to police, cow vigilante Bittu Bajrangi has been denied permission to attend the yatra and his social media accounts have been suspended.

The sale of petrol or diesel in open containers such as bottles will be prohibited at fuel stations in Nuh district from 6 am to 12 noon on Monday, they said.

Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar reviewed the security arrangements and directed officials from the civil and police administration to coordinate closely.

"No attention should be paid to any kind of rumours. Strict action should be taken against those spreading misinformation," Kumar said, adding that a special team will monitor social media to curb any attempts to vitiate the atmosphere.

Around 2,500 police personnel will be deployed during the yatra on Monday, police said, adding that all government and private schools in the district will remain closed that day.

Officials said 14 deputy superintendents of police (DSPs) will be on duty and 28 checkpoints have been set up at various locations along the route. Videography and strict checking will be carried out at these checkpoints to prevent the entry of miscreants.

Additional measures include deployment of mounted police, sniffer dogs, bomb disposal squads, four drones, 21 video cameras and commando units, they added.