The mobile operators in Tajikistan have switched off the text messaging Short Message Service (SMS) in the country, Interfax news agency reported citing a source for the mobile operators.   

As per the source, this was carried out by the order of the authorities, since an opposition rally is expected to be staged on Friday.    

The operators, however, say the disruption in the SMS text messaging is due to technical problems.  

The news agency noted that the authorities have stepped up security measures, set up checkpoints, and deployed armored vehicles in capital city Dushanbe.