Following the clashes between two groups over the installation of a statue of Dr BR Ambedkar in Phagwara, the state government on Saturday ordered the suspension of the mobile internet services with immediate effect.

In an official release issued on Saturday it was stated that the Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has ordered suspension of mobile internet services in Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur and Nawanshahr (SBS Nagar) districts as a precautionary measure, to check rumour mongering on the social media.

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CM has also directed the state police to maintain a tight vigil and crack down on any disruptive elements to ensure that the situation does not escalate further. He has asked the police to thoroughly investigate the incident, which took between some Dalit workers and Hindu organisations.

The CM announced that the state government would bear the entire expenses for the medical treatment of all those injured in the clashes, whether admitted to government or private hospitals.

He directed the Ludhiana district administration to ensure the best treatment for Yashwant Kumar Bobby, reported to be seriously injured in the clash and undergoing treatment at Dayanand Medical College Ludhiana. Urging the people to exercise restraint, the CM sought their co-operation to maintain peace and communal harmony, and thwart the nefarious designs of anti-national and anti-social elements.

As per the CM’s order, the internet services have been stopped in four districts such as Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Kapurthala and Nawanshahr for next 24 hours. The order stated that the mobile services like 2G, 3G, 4G including all Short Message Services (SMSs) and dongle services will remained disbanded during this period in the four districts.

The order came after the clash between workers of Shiv Sena Dal, Hindu Surksha Samiti and Dalit workers (Ambedkar Sena) in Phagwara in Kapurthala district during Friday late hours. According to the police, four people were injured during the clash leaving the situation in the district and adjoining areas tense but under control.

Sources said that a group of Dalit youths installed a flex board bearing a photo of Dr BR Ambedkar and renaming Goal Chowk (roundabout) as Sambhidhan Chowk, a move objected to by several Hindu organisations.

Thus, there was reported face-off between both the communities on this issue of renaming of the roundabout which led to a clash and stone pelting in which four persons were injured and dozens of vehicles, including cars and scooters, were damaged. Also, some rounds of bullets were allegedly fired by several unknown people.

Meanwhile, the visit of Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Shawait Malik was cancelled owing to the tension, as he was to visit Phagwara on Saturday to address BJP councillors. Also, senior police personnel along with additional forces have been deployed in the industrial town following the clash.