Home Ministry orders suspension of mobile internet services near Jantar Mantar
New Delhi, July 23
The Union Home Ministry ordered the suspension of mobile internet services for eight hours starting 4 p.m. on Thursday around Jantar Mantar - the venue of students' protest against exam irregularities - to maintain public order, an official said.
The Ministry issued the order for suspension of mobile internet services, saying that the Secretary is satisfied that it is necessary to do so in the "interest of public order and for preventing incitement to the commission of any offence".
The order issued by Under Secretary Mahendra Vikram Singh directed "to suspend the mobile internet services (all technologies) with effect from 16.00 Hrs on July 23 to 24.00 Hrs on July 23 at and around a radius of 1.5 kms of Jantar Mantar."
The order was issued in exercise of the power conferred by clause (b) of sub-section (2) of section 20 of The Telecommunication Act, 2023 read with clause (b) of sub-rule 1 of Rule 2 and sub-rule 1 of Rule 3 of The Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024.
Earlier, Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh said that the government has made four formal proposals for talks with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in the past 24 hours but they have remained "unresponsive and uncommunicative" to their outreach.
The Union Minister told IANS that the government has reached out with "utmost humility" to the protesting students at Jantar Mantar, highlighting that dialogue was the only constructive way to end the stalemate.
"We are waiting for them. Our doors are open 24x7. We have approached them at least four times in the past 24 hours. We seek their participation in talks on all issues, including NEET," he said.
The Union Minister urged the students to come forward for talks, stating that the government was keen on resolving the issue through dialogue in their interest.
He added that Union Minister J.P. Nadda, being the government's interlocutor, will hear out and address their concerns, and the students are free to pick "hours and topics of discussion."
"The talks could take place either at J.P. Nadda's office or residence and at any convenient time," he said, while informing that he will also be part of the discussion.
The Minister said the Prime Minister was sensitive towards their issues and announced the setting up of fast‑track courts to ensure speedy justice and prosecution of those behind paper leaks.
Reiterating PM Modi's concerns for India's youth and their future, he said the fast‑track courts will ensure that the guilty face the law and get punished for their acts while justice is delivered without delay.
The protests over NEET paper leaks by the CJP‑led students have been underway at Jantar Mantar for over a month, while the hunger strike by social activist Sonam Wangchuk entered its 26th day on Thursday.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I understand the government's concern for law and order, but cutting off internet for 8 hours seems excessive. If the government really wants dialogue, why start with distrust? NEET paper leaks are serious - students have every right to protest peacefully. The fast-track courts idea is good, but let's not silence voices in the meantime.
I support the government's move. Jantar Mantar is a sensitive area, and after what happened during previous protests, better safe than sorry. The students should accept the talks - PM Modi has shown he cares about youth by setting up fast-track courts. Dialogue is always better than disruption.
As a student myself, I feel torn. Paper leaks are a genuine issue affecting lakhs of students, but blocking internet doesn't solve problems. The government should focus on making exams transparent instead of treating every protest as a law and order problem. Aur, 'Cockroach Janta Party'? Seriously? That's just disrespectful.
8 hours of no internet? What's next, no WhatsApp for a week? 😅 The government needs to trust its own processes. Students have been protesting peacefully for over a month - if they wanted to cause trouble, they would have done it by now. Fast-track courts are a good step, but show some flexibility.
I'm from a small town and believe in the rule of law. If the Home Ministry feels internet suspension is needed for public order, I respect that. But the government should also listen to the students' concerns with an open mind. Calling protestors 'Cockroach Janta Party' is not the way to build bridges. Let's hope talks happen soon.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.