Phagwara Clashes: Punjab Govt Suspends Internet, SMS Services For 24 Hours in Four Districts
At least 700 security men took out a flag march today in Phagwara as tensions prevailed throughout the city.
Chandigarh, April 14: The Punjab government on Saturday suspended mobile internet and SMS services in at least four districts of the state after clashes were reported between two groups over renaming of a chowk.
At least four persons were injured in the clashes which erupted last night. The miscreants involved pelted stones at each other, which led to damage to vehicles and shops.
The four districts where prohibitory measures have been imposed are Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur and Shahid Bhagat Singh Nagar. The curb on internet and SMS services would be lifted after a span of 24 hours after reviewing the situation, said the press release issued by the Secretary, Home Affairs, Punjab.
"There is a likelihood of tension, annoyance, obstruction, injury to persons, danger to human life and property, disturbance of public peace and tranquillity in Punjab by miscreants, anti-national and anti-social elements in view of the rapidly deteriorating law and order situation in Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur and Shahid Bhagat Singh Nagar after the clash," the circular read.
"The order of suspension of mobile internet services (2G/3G/4G/CDMA), all SMS services and all dongle services provided on mobile networks, except voice calls... shall be in force for next 24 hours with immediate effect," it added.
The inter-group fight erupted after pone of them attempted to install a board with picture of Dalit icon Dr BR Ambedkar at the Gol Chowk here on National Highway-1. They also attempted to rename it as Samvidhan Chowk.
This was objected to by another group which led to the clashes. Among those injured include Punjab Shiv Sena vice president Rajesh Palta and Jimmy, the son of Inderjit Karwal, vice president Shiv Sena Bal Thackeray.
At least 700 security men took out a flag march today in Phagwara as tensions prevailed throughout the city.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 14, 2018 10:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).