The Haryana government has announced an internet suspension in parts of Ambala till the end of February because of the ongoing farmers' protest.

Mobile internet and bulk SMS services were first suspended in Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa on February 11 with repeated suspensions and internet has been shut down in more than 7 districts more than a week.

It should be noted that Indian farmers have been on peaceful Dilli Chalo protest since 13 February 2024. These farmers are protesting and marching towards Delhi with their tractor trolleys to demand the government's guarantee on assured floor prices or Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crop production.

We believe that the state government is using this internet shutdown as a weapon to prevent the spread of any information that is against the government or shows the brutality of the administration. Internet is related to freedom of speech and expression. It also realizes many fundamental rights. Because today in this digital era, people use it for their daily work including Ration, card transactions, online transactions, talking to their relatives or family, managing healthcare and many other activities which are necessary.

HRDA urgently appeal to you to exercise Section 12 (a) of the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2019, and take Suo moto cognizance of this incident and initiate an independent inquiry through NHRC’s investigation wing.