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Hours after Patel Andolan Anamat Samiti (PAAS) leader Hardik Patel appealed on WhatsApp for calm following clashes over his brief detention, the popular mobile internet app went on the blink in parts of Gujarat.
Police said the internet services on mobile phones were cut off as a security measure following the massive clashes. Patel is leading the campaign in Gujarat for reservation for the Patel or Patidar community.
In his late night message after his release, Patel said,”I make an appeal to maintain peace and keep calm. I give a call for Gujarat bandh tomorrow (Wednesday). This decision has been taken by Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti considering widespread violence in the state.”
“Last night, there were concerns of rumour-mongering and crowd mobilisation through WhatsApp,” said a police officer, who later added that mobile internet services will resume only after the situation returns to normal.
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