Haryana bans Internet, SMS following Jat protests

Internet and mobile SMS services have been suspended indefinitely by authorities in Rohtak district in the wake of protests by Jat community which is demanding reservation in government jobs and educational institutions under OBC category.

"Internet and SMS services have been suspended till further orders in Rohtak," Rohtak SP Shashank Anand said on Friday.

The decision has been taken "to maintain law and order" in the district, he said.

However, he said mobile services will continue in the district.

Meanwhile, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has called an all-party meeting in Chandigarh on Friday to discuss Jats' demands.

Normal life has been badly hit because of the ongoing Jat agitation which has spread to more parts of the state after talks between the community leaders and the government failed to break the deadlock.

The protests have disrupted road and rail traffic with the worst hit being the Rohtak-Jhajjar region, the epicentre of the protests, besides Bhiwani, Sonipat and Hisar.

The protesters, who have rejected Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's offer of enhancing quota for economically backward classes, also set up road blockade at many places in Panipat, which also affected movement of vehicles towards Uttar Pradesh.

In view of the blockades by the agitators, Haryana Roadways suspended its bus services on many affected routes.

The administration has imposed prohibitory orders in the entire Rohtak district, banning assembly of five or more persons. 

IMAGE: Internet and SMS services have been suspended in wake of the protests for Jat reservations. Photograph: ANI/ Twitter