Jaipur: Tension is once again building in Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh district as farmers step up their protest against the Dune Ethanol Private Limited factory. As a precautionary measure, the administration has suspended mobile internet services in parts of the district, citing concerns over law and order, reports Live Hindustan.
With a farmers’ mahapanchayat scheduled for January 7 against the proposed ethanol factory, security has been tightened in the Sangaria area. Police have set up barricades at several locations and begun checking vehicles to prevent any untoward incidents.
Taking into account the possibility of disturbances, the administration has ordered the suspension of mobile internet services in Sangaria tehsil and within a 10-kilometre radius for 30 hours. The restriction came into effect from 6 pm on January 6 and will remain in force until 11.59 pm on January 7.
The orders to suspend internet services were issued by the Additional Divisional Commissioner, Bikaner, following a proposal from the Hanumangarh district collector. The order stated that the upcoming farmers’ mahapanchayat, expected gatherings and related activities could lead to a breach of peace, spread of rumours or other unpleasant incidents. The step was taken to maintain law and order.
Officials said misinformation could spread rapidly through social media and internet-based platforms, potentially worsening the situation. To prevent this, mobile internet services have been temporarily halted.
The administration clarified that essential services will not be affected during the restriction period. Voice calls, landline services, SMS, mobile calling, and broadband internet at hospitals, banks and industrial units will continue to function. Only mobile data services have been suspended.
Police have been placed on high alert in view of the mahapanchayat. Barricades have been erected on major routes leading to the meeting venue in Sangaria and nearby areas. Vehicles are being thoroughly checked, suspicious activities are under watch, and additional police personnel have been deployed to handle any situation.
The farmers’ mahapanchayat is scheduled to be held on January 7 in Sangaria to oppose the proposed ethanol factory in the Rathikheda area of Tibbi. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha is actively mobilising farmers, with its leaders visiting nearby villages and hamlets to urge people to participate in large numbers.
The farmers’ group has said the proposed ethanol plant would have adverse effects on farmers and the environment in the region. Through the mahapanchayat, they aim to collectively raise their demands before the government and the administration.
Leaders of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha have appealed to farmers from Rathikheda, Tibbi and surrounding villages to take part in the gathering, stating that the issue is linked to the future of farmers and requires widespread participation.
Protests against the ethanol factory have taken place earlier as well, forcing the administration to make additional security arrangements on several occasions. Keeping those experiences in mind, stricter measures have been put in place this time.
The administration has appealed to the public to maintain peace and avoid rumours. Officials said the situation is being closely monitored and strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to disturb law and order.
All eyes are now on the January 7 farmers’ mahapanchayat, with the administration closely watching developments amid heightened security and the temporary internet shutdown.
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