Mobile internet, dongle and SMS services have been suspended in NIT Faridabad and adjoining areas for about 22 hours, from 12:30 am to 10 pm on Saturday, as a precautionary measure before the demolition drive is carried out to clear land for the upcoming Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor, police said.
Police officers said that a temple and a mosque were among the buildings scheduled for demolition, which is why the decision was taken to suspend internet and SMS services, except for banking and mobile phone charging services. The officers added that both religious buildings were demolished in the campaign that began after midnight amid intense security deployment.
According to officers, the police have obtained intelligence that anti-social elements may try to create disturbances and disturb public peace and tranquility.
In addition, there is a distinct possibility of disruption of public facilities, damage to public assets and facilities, and disruption of public law and order in the NIT area of Faridabad district due to misuse of internet services through spread of inflammatory material and false rumours, the officers said. As a result, a ban was imposed on all these services by the Haryana Ministry of Home Affairs on the basis of an official statement issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Faridabad.
Faridabad Police Public Relations Officer Yashpal Yadav said that traffic diversions have been made so that commuters do not face any problems due to the demolition drive.
“The road leading to Sainik Colony from Mor Metro via ESIC chowk and Masjid chowk, and another road from DCP NIT office to Mulla Hotel and Namaste Chowk, which was earlier known as Chimani Bai chowk, will also remain closed till 2 pm on Saturday due to the ongoing demolition drive,” he said.
Yadav said alternative routes have already been prepared for passengers in view of the drive. He added: “Multiple notices were sent for demolition work, but the majority of owners did not remove their buildings, after which the demolition process began.”
