Police personnel in action after Patel community protests in Surat. (Press Trust of India photo)
Alongside Hardik Patel's quota agitation in Gujarat, a new protest has made its presence felt, at least on social media. For nearly a week, most of Gujarat has been without WhatsApp or any other mobile internet service and #LiftTheInternetBan is buzzing on twitter.
Internet on mobiles was cut off last Wednesday in almost all of Gujarat to check rumours that could worsen tension after clashes over the brief detention of Hardik Patel, the 21-year-old who is leading the campaign for reservation for the powerful and influential Patel community in the state.
Six days on, there is still no mobile internet in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat and Rajkot, the four major cities of Gujarat, and many other districts.
The ban has not just impacted social interaction - it has also affected business. Online transactions on phone are completely off. There has been a flurry of angry tweets.
The police justify the measure saying it was the reason why the violence did not spread beyond a few pockets and was quickly controlled. Sources say the services may be restored soon, possibly by tomorrow morning.
Since the Patel agitation began, WhatsApp has been the preferred tool of communication for Hardik Patel and his activists. All videos and media announcements by Mr Patel's supporters were made on the popular messaging app and his messages were also released on it.
"There were concerns of rumour-mongering and crowd mobilization through WhatsApp," said a police officer.