On September 2, 2024, large-scale protests broke out in the areas surrounding the Central Jail in Amritsar, India, as residents expressed strong dissatisfaction with the prison authorities' installation of mobile phone signal jammers in the high-security prison. cell phone jammerThe installation of the jammer was intended to curb prisoners' illegal activities through their mobile phones, but it had an unexpected negative impact on the surrounding residents. GPS jammer More than 15,000 residents from multiple villages and communities, such as Wahguru City, Dream City and Jabal Road, joined the protest.

Mobile Signal Jammers: Pros and Cons
The main purpose of mobile signal jammers is to block 2G to 5G mobile signals to prevent criminals in prison from using mobile phones to engage in illegal activities.signal jammer However, this measure also covers the surrounding residential areas, seriously disrupting the normal lives of local people. Whether it is students, teachers, shop owners or housewives, they are all troubled by the inability to use mobile phones. The use of social media has been greatly restricted and residents cannot stay in touch through calls or messages. 

The position of the prison authorities

According to the prison authorities, the installation of signal jammers is necessary. In recent years, a large number of contraband items, including mobile phones and drugs, have been seized in the Amritsar Central Jail. Despite the extremely high security level of the prison, contraband items are still able to enter the prison due to the densely populated area around the prison, which has forced them to take this drastic measure. However, residents believe that the prison has not fully considered the impact on their lives.

Residents' demands and difficulties
For residents, mobile phones have become an indispensable tool in life, especially in this era of high reliance on digital communications. Avtar Singh Brar, a resident of Wahguru, said that the prison was moved to the area where they live about eight years ago, and their community has lived here for generations. He questioned whether the government considered the lives and livelihoods of residents before taking such drastic measures. He said: "The government did not consider the needs and troubles of those of us who live here."