Saharanpur violence: Mobile internet, messaging services suspended

Mobile internet and messaging services were suspended in the violence-hit district of Saharanpur on Wednesday, with officials saying the decision was taken to maintain peace and ensure law and order.

Violence erupted for the second day Wednesday as unidentified gunmen shot and seriously injured a member of the upper-caste Thakur community, which is embroiled in a bloody conflict with Dalits.

A man was killed during violence in Saharanpur on Tuesday.

“In view of the present situation, CRPC section 144 has been invoked to control law and order. All telecom operators have been asked to suspend all forms of mobile internet and messaging services until further orders,” N P Singh, outgoing district magistrate, said in an order.

“The decision has been taken to maintain peace and law and order,” he said.

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However, the order is not binding on police and administrative officials. Those not following the order will be liable for action under section 188 of IPC, Singh said. 

(With PTI Inputs)