Internet shutdown in five Haryana districts ahead of farmers’ protest

Chandigarh/Karnal, Sept 6

The Haryana Government has ordered suspension of mobile Net services in Karnal district and adjoining Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind and Panipat from Monday midnight till Tuesday 23:59 pm in the wake of the farmers’ protest against the August 28 police lathi-charge. An official spokesperson said the apprehension was that the Net services could be misused to spread rumours and provoke trouble.

Traffic diversions

• Vehicles coming from Delhi towards Chandigarh will be diverted via Panipat’s Pepsi Chowk near Karna Lake via Munak to Assandh; light vehicles to be diverted towards Chd via Madhuban, Daha, Bajida, Hansi Chowk, Yamuna canal bypass & Karna Lake
• Vehicles going towards Delhi from Chandigarh to be diverted at Kurukshetra’s Pipli near Gharaunda after crossing Ladwa; light vehicles will be allowed from the Ramba cut, Taraori, for reaching Gharaunda NH-44 after crossing Ramba Chowk, Indri road

A meeting between farmers and the Karnal administration on Monday ended in a stalemate with the latter refusing to file an FIR against former Karnal SDM Ayush Sinha or award compensation to a deceased farmer’s family. “Only genuine demands will be considered. We will not allow anyone to disrupt traffic on NH-44 or gherao the Mini Secretariat,” warned District Magistrate NK Yadav.

SP Ganga Ram Punia said 25 DSPs had been asked to ensure law and order.