Farmers Target Jio Mobile Towers In Punjab As Protests Against Farm Bills Continue; CM Amarinder Singh Issues Warning As Over 1500 Towers Damaged

More than 1,500 of Reliance Jio's 9,000 telecom towers in Punjab have been put out of action, allegedly by farmers protesting against the farm laws, disrupting service in parts of the state. A representative of the telecom company told NDTV that the towers have taken a hit due to physical damage, power disruption or theft of generator. Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh issued a stern warning on December 28 against vandalisation of mobile towers & disruption of telecom services in the state. He asked the police to take strict action in such cases. Over the last week, farmers have been venting anger against Reliance. Farmers have snapping power supply, cutting cables of telecom towers & damaging infrastructure of the firm owned by Mukesh Ambani, seen as one of the major beneficiaries of the farm laws. Farmers were also seen looting generators belonging to Jio and allegedly donating it to Gurudwaras. Farmers have been losing patience as thousands wait on the borders of Delhi, demanding that the Centre scrap the three farm laws, a demand the government is not ready to grant.