INTERNET SUSPENDED FOR 2 DAYS AT DELHI’S BORDERS AMID FARMERS’ PROTEST

Sat 30 January 2021:

Internet services in the Delhi border areas of Singhu, Ghazipur and Tikri – epicenters of the farmers’ weeks-long protest against the centre’s agriculture laws – will be suspended from 11 pm for a period of 24 hours, the Union Home Ministry said in a notification issued Saturday afternoon.

“… it is necessary and expedient to order the temporary suspension of internet services in the areas of Singhu, Ghazipur and Tikri, and their adjoining areas in the NCT of Delhi from 11 pm on January 29 to 11 pm on January 31,” the ministry notification said.

Lakhs of farmers across India have spent the last several weeks demanding the centre repeal laws they say will leave them at the mercy of large corporate firms.

The tense situation exploded on Republic Day when groups of farmers and others clashed with police during a tractor rally that turned violent. Police had to resort to firing tear gas and lathi charges to control the situation. One farmer died and hundreds of cops were injured.

Following Tuesday’s violence the UP government ordered the immediate removal of protesters from Ghazipur – which lies to the east of the capital and where hundreds of protesters remain.

Frequent power cuts were witnessed in the evening at the protest site and the water supply to the protesting camps was cut off, reports said.