Authorities suspend internet services in Rajouri-Poonch

In view of the growing discontent among the Gujjar and Bakerwal community over the passage of the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha, authorities have precautionary suspended the internet services in the border Rajouri and Poonch Districts.
The District Magistrate Jammu, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, has also imposed the restrictions on the irresponsible use of the social media under section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in view of the likelihood of a serious breach of peace and order in the District.
An order issued by Financial Commissioner (ACS) Home Department, Raj Kumar Goyal read, “whereas, the ADGP, Jammu Zone, Jammu being the Authorised Office under the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, has issued directions to the telecom service providers (TSPs)/Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to suspend mobile data (2G/3G/4G/5G & Public wi-fi facilities 5G) in Rajouri and Poonch District of Jammu province with effect from February 7, 2024 (0010 hours) to February 7, 2024 (2330 hours).”
“Whereas, the order/letter under reference, inter-alia, mentions about possible of mobile data and wi-fi facility services to be misused by anti-national elements/miscreants, which may cause deterioration in public order,” the order further said.
“Now, therefore upon consideration of the various aspects, as brought out in the material provided by the Authorised Officer, I, Financial Commissioners (ACS) Home, being satisfied that there was absolute necessity for issuance of the aforesaid directions by the authorised officer, without obtaining prior approval of the competent authority in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State and for maintaining public order,” the order issued by Financial Commissioner (ACS) Home read.
Meanwhile, in an order issued today, the District Magistrate Jammu also said that it has been made to appear to him by the inputs received from police authorities and also otherwise, that there is a likelihood of serious breach of peace and order and disturbance of public tranquillity which might cause grave danger to human lives and properties because of the disinformation that is being spread on social media platforms by posting/sharing of derogatory, discriminatory and provocative messages.
“As such, it is desirable that any breach of peace and order and disturbance of public tranquillity which might cause grave danger to human lives and properties should be immediately prevented,” read the order issued by DM Jammu.
“For the aforementioned reasons, the undersigned is of the opinion that there is sufficient ground to proceed under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973,” the DM further said in the order.
Accordingly, in exercise of power vested upon him under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, the DM Jammu has prohibited the individuals and social media news platforms/portals operating in District Jammu form posting/sharing any such post/message that has the potential to disturb the communal harmony, cause breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquillity.
“The order shall come into force with immediate effect and any violation of this order shall invite punitive action under section 188 of the IPC, 1860,” read the order.