Mobile internet remains suspended for third day in Kashmir

Srinagar, Dec 17: The mobile internet service of all cellular companies, including Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), remained suspended for the third successive day on Monday in Kashmir as a precautionary measure.

The decision to suspend the internet service was taken on Saturday in south Kashmir, where seven civilians were killed in security force action on demonstrators who hit the streets after three militants killed and an Army jawan martyred in the encounter at Sirnoon in Pulwama.

However, later mobile internet service was also suspended in Srinagar to prevent spread of any rumours following three days strike called by separatists till Monday, when they have also given 'Badami Bagh cantonment challo.'

However, the broadband internet service is working though with a very low speed in the valley.

Official sources told TNN that the authorities had asked all cellular companies to suspend mobile internet services across Kashmir as a precautionary measure to prevent rumour mongering. However, the suspension of mobile internet has led to more rumours.

“Data Alert: Dear customer, as per the government instructions, the internet services have been temporarily stopped in your area,” read a message sent from a cellular company to its users in the valley.

But, due to suspension of mobile internet, media persons, professionals, doctors and students were the worst hit in Srinagar and south Kashmir.

“High speed mobile internet shut down across the valley,” National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah wrote on micro-blogging site twitter.

The authorities have in the past also suspended mobile and broadband services in the valley as a precautionary measure to prevent spread of rumours.

However, the suspension of the mobile internet always hit students, professionals and media persons in particular.