The Jammu and Kashmir administration has extended the ban on high speed internet in the Union Territory till July 29 “in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India.”
The mobile internet in Jammu and Kashmir is available at low 2G speed.
The administration said security agencies have been successful in eliminating a large number of militants while ensuring public order is maintained. The administration argued that the data services have not been allowed to be misused by the anti-social elements and over ground workers (OGWs).
The order issued by the Principal Secretary to Home Shaleen Kabra claimed the restrictions haven’t adversely impacted the efforts of the government towards Covid-19 control, education and business activities.
“Now, therefore, upon assessment of the reports of the field agencies bringing out in unambiguous terms the necessity for continuation of the restrictions on access to internet services,” the order reads. It says it is necessary to restrict the internet in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, “security of the state” and for maintaining public order.
The order is a series of orders issued by the government since January 25, when the government resumed low speed internet in J&K after complete communication blockade since August 5, 2019. On August 5, 2019, the government revoked Article 370, Article 35A amid communication blockade, siege and arrest of over 8000 people including three former chief ministers.
The netizens from Jammu have been demanding restoration of high-speed (4G) mobile internet.
“11 Months & 2 days and counting- Our fault? We have participated in democratic process peacefully. We have supported ur party’s every move since 2014. We stood with you on Article 370 & 35A. We gave you the mandate u didn’t deserve. What we got ? 2G (sic),” tweeted one user Rahul Puri taking a dig at BJP.
On May 11, the Supreme Court had directed for the constitution of a “Special Committee”, headed by the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, to examine the issues that had been raised by the petitioners in a plea which sought for restoration of 4G speed internet services in Jammu and Kashmir.