In the latest development regarding mobile internet and SMS suspension, the Punjab government has decided to lift the suspension from 4 districts of Punjab. Barring these 4 districts, mobile internet and SMS services will remain suspended in two districts till 24th March 2023.
Reportedly, on 18th March 2023, Punjab government announced suspension of mobile internet and SMS services all over Punjab to maintain peace and harmony in the state amidst crackdown against Amritpal Singh. Later, on 21st March 2023, this suspension was lifted from all districts except 6 namely Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Moga, Sangrur, Sub-Division Ajnala in Amritsar, areas adjoining YPS chowk and Airport Road both in SAS Nagar. Now, the government has issued new guidelines about the same which states that mobile internet and SMS services will be lifted from 4 districts except Tarn Taran and Ferozpur. Punjab’s Home Secretary Anurag Verma confirmed that the suspension of internet and SMS services in Tarn Taran and Firozpur.
The order from Punjab's Home Secretary Anurag Verma read that mobile internet services (2G/3G/4G/5G/CDMA/GPRS), all SMS services (excluding banking and mobile recharge) and all dongle services provided on mobile networks, except the voice calls, shall continue to remain suspended from 23rd March 2023 to 24th March 2023 till 12 noon in the districts Tarn Taran and Ferozepur.