NEW DELHI: The Indian government has instructed telecom companies to turn off mobile data services in central Delhi, particularly near areas where youth are protesting for the resignation of the education minister. This information was confirmed by two sources on Thursday.
The telecom companies have followed this directive, according to the sources.
Requests for comments from government officials and the telecom department were not answered immediately. Major telecom companies, including Mukesh Ambani’s Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone-Idea, also did not provide any statements at this time.
On Thursday evening, many areas in central Delhi experienced a loss of mobile data service, as observed by reporters. Vendors and shopkeepers reported difficulties in processing digital payments, affecting their sales.
The protests, led by what is known as the “cockroach” movement, have been ongoing in central Delhi since last month. Demonstrators are calling for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan due to exam paper leaks that impacted around 2 million students.
