newsreeljapan
The Haryana government has imposed a 24-hour suspension on mobile internet and bulk SMS services in the Nuh district, effective from 9 pm on July 13 until 9 pm on July 14, 2025, as part of enhanced security preparations for the upcoming Brij Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra X (formerly Twitter)+13Free Press Journal+13The Economic Times+13.
Communication blackout & tension-prevention steps
- The temporary internet shutdown excludes services used for banking and mobile recharges. These services remain operational The Times of India+6The Economic Times+6Outlook India+6.
- Officials explained that the move is meant to ward off the spread of misinformation and inflammatory content via platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, or X, and to curb the organisation of potential troublemakers The Times of India+3The Economic Times+3Free Press Journal+3.
Security bolstered on the ground
- Approximately 2,500 police and paramilitary personnel have been dispatched to the district. Additional resources include mounted units, dog squads, bomb‑squad teams, and drones for aerial surveillance Wikipedia+6The Economic Times+6The Times of India+6.
- 28 checkpoints will monitor the pilgrimage route, supported by video surveillance to identify and deter unsanctioned individuals Free Press Journal.
Schools closed & other restrictions
- All government and private educational institutions have been ordered shut for the day to ensure student safety The Times of India+7Outlook India+7Outlook India+7.
- Under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code, 2023, the carrying of weapons—including firearms, swords, knives, and even tridents—is strictly prohibited during the yatra. The only exception is made for sheathed kirpans, carried by Sikh devotees as a religious symbol Wikipedia+5Outlook India+5Free Press Journal+5.
- Use of loudspeakers, DJs, or any sound systems broadcasting provocative religious content is banned during the procession Outlook India+1Wikipedia+1.
- Meat and non-vegetarian food sales are forbidden along the yatra path until at least July 24, aiming to reduce communal friction The Economic Times+3Free Press Journal+3Outlook India+3.
Vandalism at a mazar
In Tauru town, around 1:30 am on Monday, a local mazar was vandalised. While the perpetrators remain unidentified, authorities have tightened security around the site and have pledged thorough investigation to maintain calm during the pilgrimage Outlook India.
Why such stringent measures?
The heightened security marks a proactive response following violent disturbances during the 2023 Brij Mandal Yatra—when a VHP procession provoked unrest that tragically claimed six lives and caused hundreds of injuries The Times of India+10Outlook India+10The Economic Times+10. In light of those events, Haryana’s administration is taking no chances this year.
Summary at a glance:
- Internet/SMS services: blocked from July 13 at 9 pm to July 14 at 9 pm
- Schools: shut for July 14
- Security personnel: ≈ 2,500 deployed, plus drones and bomb squads
- Weapons & provocative content: banned during the event
- Meat sales: suspended on the pilgrimage route until July 24
- Vandalism: mazar attacked, investigation underway
These precautions reflect the government’s aim to ensure a peaceful and uninterrupted pilgrimage amid regional sensitivities. Let me know if you’d like more background or details on any aspect.
