Regional shutdown
Haldwani, Uttarakhand
Local authorities in Haldwani, Uttarakhand ordered Internet services to be suspended as part of curfew actions following reported violent clashes between police and protesters after authorities demolished a mosque, alleging it was constructed illegally. Internet shutdowns during protests or civil unrest impact the citizens' ability to get accurate information from government sources when they need it most. It also becomes harder for citizens to contact family members and friends in other parts of the country or other countries.
- Total Duration 3 days
India
- Population
- 1,438,069,596
Freedom House rates Internet freedom as Partly Free
Local impact
Local authorities in Haldwani, Uttarakhand ordered Internet services to be suspended as part of curfew actions following reported violent clashes between police and protesters after authorities demolished a mosque, alleging it was constructed illegally. Internet shutdowns during protests or civil unrest impact the citizens' ability to get accurate information from government sources when they need it most. It also becomes harder for citizens to contact family members and friends in other parts of the country or other countries.
Other supporting information
It’s difficult to measure the effect of local/regional Internet shutdowns as most measurements are done at a country level.
Social media
Feb 8, shoot at sight orders issued at Haldwani, curfew imposed and internet shutdown. Tensions escalated after authorities destroyed an illegal madrassa in an eviction drive. A mob then tried to torch a police station with cops in it. 6 deaths reported.https://t.co/WTjw88qwrw pic.twitter.com/DJiOweg58s — The Good Word (@TheGoodWord10) February 9, 2024
Internet services were restored in #Haldwani after they were suspended for four days. The state police warned of stern action if anyone posted inflammatory posts pictures comments or videos on social media#HaldwaniRiots #HaldwaniIsBurning #HaldwaniEncroachment #HaldwaniViolence — beingparvezofficial (@whatajournalist) February 11, 2024
A local said, “Now they are planning to suffocate in our homes with no Internet so no truth can travel outside.” — Maktoob Media
In Haldwani, there's a total internet blackout, leaving everyone disconnected. It's incredibly frustrating not knowing if your loved ones are safe. Yet, this is just a glimpse of what Kashmiris have endured for years, if not worse.
We urgently need legislation to tackle this… — Shalini Tewari (@maybeshalinii) February 10, 2024
Media coverage
A local said, “Now they are planning to suffocate in our homes with no Internet so no truth can travel outside.” — Maktoob Media
In Haldwani, there's a total internet blackout, leaving everyone disconnected. It's incredibly frustrating not knowing if your loved ones are safe. Yet, this is just a glimpse of what Kashmiris have endured for years, if not worse.
We urgently need legislation to tackle this… — Shalini Tewari (@maybeshalinii) February 10, 2024