Chandigarh: The Punjab government on Saturday suspended mobile internet and SMS services, except voice calls, in Patiala district a day after clashes between two groups over an anti-Khalistan march left four people injured. On directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab government also transferred the Inspector General of Police (IG) Patiala range, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Patiala and Superintendent of Police (SP) with immediate effect. Divulging the details a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Mukhwinder Singh Chinna has been appointed as new IG Patiala while Deepak Parik and Wazir Singh have been appointed as new SSP and SP of Patiala respectively.
"FIRs have been lodged, raids are underway. We appeal to the public to maintain peace. From 9.30 am to 6 pm today mobile internet services will remain temporarily suspended as a step of abundant caution by the govt. One person has been arrested," Patiala Deputy Commissioner told media. The order to suspend the services was issued by the home affairs and justice department and heavy police security was deployed at the site of the clashes outside the Kali Mata temple in Patiala.
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"In exercise of the power conferred upon me by virtue of temporary suspension of telecom services (public emergency or public safety) rules, 2017, I Anurag Verma, principal secretary, home affairs and justice, do hereby order the suspension of the mobile internet services (2G/3G/45/CDMA), all SMS services and all dongle services etc provided on mobile networks except voice calls in the territorial jurisdiction of the district of Patiala from 9:30 am to 6 pm on April 30," the order read.