The Rajasthan government has ordered a temporary suspension of mobile internet and bulk SMS services in Jaipur for 48 hours, effective from June 7, 2026, in connection with an ongoing anti-encroachment drive. The move aims to prevent the spread of misinformation and maintain public order during the operation.
Government Order Details
According to an official notification issued by the Rajasthan Home Department, the suspension will be in place from 12:00 PM on June 7 to 12:00 PM on June 9, 2026. The order applies to all telecom service providers operating in Jaipur city and its surrounding areas. Bulk SMS services have also been halted to curb the dissemination of inflammatory messages.
Reason Behind the Suspension
The decision comes in the wake of a large-scale anti-encroachment drive being conducted by the Jaipur Municipal Corporation and district administration. Authorities fear that vested interests might use social media and messaging platforms to incite violence or disrupt the drive. The suspension is a preventive measure to ensure the operation proceeds smoothly without any untoward incidents.
Residents have been advised to use alternative means of communication, such as landlines or personal messaging apps over Wi-Fi, which remain unaffected. The government has assured that essential services will not be impacted.
Previous Precedents
This is not the first time the state has imposed such restrictions. Similar suspensions were enforced during previous anti-encroachment drives and communal tensions to maintain law and order. The move underscores the government's commitment to carrying out the drive without any disruptions.
Public Reaction
The suspension has drawn mixed reactions from citizens. While some support the decision as necessary for security, others have expressed inconvenience, especially those dependent on mobile internet for work and daily activities. Business owners and freelancers have raised concerns about the impact on their livelihoods.
Security Arrangements
Additional police forces have been deployed across Jaipur to assist in the anti-encroachment drive and maintain vigilance. The administration has urged the public to cooperate and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
The anti-encroachment drive targets illegal structures on public land, including footpaths, roads, and government property. Officials have warned that strict action will be taken against those who resist or obstruct the operation.
