Internet Suspended in Rajasthan Amidst Gurjar-Meena Row Over Dam Water

Mobile internet services were suspended in Rajasthan’s Karauli district on Thursday amid rising tensions between the Gurjar and Meena communities. The dispute, centered on the release of water from the Panchana dam, spilled onto social media, prompting police to file First Information Reports (FIRs) against individuals from both communities for allegedly posting inflammatory content.

Divisional Commissioner Nalini Kathotia stated that the internet suspension, effective until Thursday night, was a precautionary measure following the exchange of provocative messages online. The situation escalated on Wednesday when Gurjar community members staged road blockades and protests in Karauli, demanding action against Meena community members accused of posting abusive content. In response, Meena community members held a sit-in protest in Sawai Madhopur, alleging that water from the Panchana dam was not reaching the intended agricultural canals.

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The suspension was imposed following the exchange of abusive and provocative messages between members of the Gurjar and Meena communities on social media.

State Agriculture Minister Kirori Lal Meena and Water Resources Minister Suresh Rawat intervened, meeting with farmers and officials late Wednesday. Following the meeting, protesters from the Meena community agreed in principle to end their agitation. Farmers had complained about the stoppage of water supply through the canal and demanded uninterrupted release from the dam.

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All technical issues related to the dam gates will be resolved within seven days.

Officials acknowledged technical issues during the trial run of water release into the canal, which were being rectified. Minister Rawat noted that the dam's gates, operated after nearly two decades, had developed glitches. He assured that all technical issues would be resolved within seven days and that a demonstration of the gates' functioning for farmers would occur between July 17 and 18, guaranteeing continuous water supply. Rawat also indicated a high-level inquiry would be launched if any negligence by officials was found.

Minister Meena reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring water supply for farmers in both command and catchment areas, appealing for peace and law and order. He warned that strict legal action would be taken against those posting abusive or inflammatory content online. The Meena community protesters subsequently withdrew their sit-in after receiving these assurances. Meanwhile, the Gurjar community convened a separate gathering, a mahapanchayat, in Karauli district on Wednesday.

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Strict legal action will be taken against those found posting abusive or inflammatory content on social media.