NEW DELHI: As a precautionary measure to maintain law and order during the annual Braj Mandal Jalabhishek Yatra, authorities in Haryana’s Nuh district on Monday suspended mobile internet and bulk SMS services. The move follows violent communal clashes during the 2023 procession, which resulted in six fatalities.

To prevent any recurrence, security has been significantly heightened. Around 2,500 police personnel will be deployed, supported by 14 deputy superintendents of police (DSPs). Police have established 28 checkpoints along the Yatra route, where strict checks and videography will be conducted to monitor the movement and prevent entry of miscreants.

Security arrangements also include the deployment of mounted units, bomb squads, sniffer dogs, four drones, 21 surveillance cameras, and commando teams.

All government and private schools in the district have been ordered shut. District Magistrate Vishram Kumar Meena has imposed a ban on carrying weapons, including licensed arms, swords, sticks, tridents, knives, and chains. Only the kirpan, a religious article worn by Sikhs, is exempt from the prohibition.

The administration has also barred the use of DJs, loudspeakers, or any sound equipment that might broadcast provocative or inflammatory content. Meat shops along the Kanwar route are to remain closed until July 24.

In another preventive move, cow vigilante Bittu Bajrangi has been barred from participating in the Yatra, and his social media accounts have been suspended. Fuel stations in the district have been instructed not to sell petrol or diesel in open containers like bottles between 6 a.m. and 12 noon on Monday.

The Haryana government stated that these measures are aimed at preventing the spread of rumours or inflammatory content on platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and X. Officials fear such content could lead to the mobilisation of agitators and trigger violence or damage to property.

District officials have urged the public not to fall for rumours. “Strict action will be taken against anyone spreading misinformation,” said DM Meena, adding that a dedicated team will monitor social media for signs of incitement or unrest.

Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar reviewed the security arrangements on the ground and called for close coordination between the civil administration and police forces.