2G mobile internet resumes, high speed remains suspended in Kashmir

TNN Bureau. Updated: 7/9/2020 7:36:47 PM Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar, Jul 9 : The authorities resumed 2G low speed mobile internet service after remaining suspended on Wednesday for security reasons in south Kashmir, where most shops and business establishments were closed on the fourth death anniversary of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) commander Burhan Wani.
Wani and two of his associates were killed by security forces in an encounter in Anantnag on July 8, 2016, leading to massive protests and violence in the valley.
As a precautionary measure, authorities on Wednesday suspended mobile internet services in south Kashmir, where Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora and other educational institutions suspended on-line classes. “The 2G mobile internet service has been restored,” official sources said.
However, high speed mobile internet service of all Cellular companies, including Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), remained suspended since August 5, 2019, when centre scrapped Article 370 and divided the state into two Union Territories (UTs) after almost all leaders of mainstream and separatist organizations were detained.
The Home Department has extended 2G internet services till July 29 in Jammu and Kashmir, citing security reasons after review meeting on Wednesday. On the directions of the Supreme Court (SC) review meeting are being held after over fortnight on restoration of high speed mobile internet service in Jammu and Kashmir.
Principal Secretary Home Shaleen Kabra in an order issued on Wednesday said the restrictions on high speed internet will continue to remain in force till July 29, 2020 unless modified earlier.
Kabra in his order said that the restrictions on access on the internet were imposed in Jammu and Kashmir and eased out gradually after reviewing the situation from time to time on the basis of inputs provided by ground situation and field agencies.
“The security agencies have been successful in eliminating a large number of militants, while ensuring that the public order is maintained because the data services have not been allowed to be misused by the anti-social elements and Over Ground Workers to mobilize crowds,” the order said.
However, the order further said that these restrictions have not impacted the effects of the Governments towards COVID-19 control, education and business activities in the Union Territory.
Though there was no official word why the mobile service was suspended on Wednesday, official sources said the step was taken to prevent any rumour on the death anniversary of Burhan.
A police spokesman on Tuesday said the letter of former hardline Hurriyat Conference (HC) chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani, which was circulated on Social Media networks, was fake. The letter had urged people to observe strike today, 4th death anniversary of Burhan and on July 13 as on that day in 1931 about 22 people were killed in Dogra police firing outside central jail, Srinagar.
“Our on-line classes resumed today after remaining suspended for two days on Wednesday as there was no mobile internet service available in south Kashmir,” students of the IUST said this morning.
Student said we were told on Tuesday that mobile internet service in Pulwama was suspended due to encounter between militants and security forces. However, they said no reason was given on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, other educational institutions, including middle and lower class schools, have also resumed online classes today after internet service was resumed.
However, the students alleged that frequent suspension of internet has badly affected their online studies. “We are already under tremendous pressure as the high speed internet remained suspended since August 5 last year. There is only 2G internet which also remains suspended frequently,” the students said and demanded restoration of high speed internet.
Only 2G Mobile internet services were restored in the valley in January this year after a number of individuals and organizations challenged the banning of the service.
On the directions of the Supreme Court, Union Territory (UT) government has now appointed a committee to review ban on high speed internet service every week.


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