After days, the Jammu and Kashmir administration decided to restore broadband and mobile internet services in Jammu and Kashmir.
The services were restored on the 25th of January, with some restrictions like internet access being limited to “whitelisted” websites and social media platforms remaining unaccessible.
Another major restriction in the region is internet connectivity would rely on 2G services.
It has been almost 6 months since the people of Jammu and Kashmir are suffering from curfews, internet blackout and other issues.
The Central Government announced the curfew in Jammu and Kashmir after the abolition of Article 370.
The order regarding the 2G internet services, released on the 24th of January, read, “It is hereby directed that mobile data services and Internet access through fixed-line shall be allowed across the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir with the following restrictions… The aforesaid direction shall come into effect from January 25, 2020, and remain in force till January 31, 2020, unless modified earlier.”
The suspension of internet services, the right to freedom and other human rights have been a major topic of debate in the past few days.
Many activists reviewed the situation of Jammu and Kashmir as misuse of power.
Even the Supreme Court, which heard several petitions filed against the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir and Article 370, said, “Suspension of free movement, Internet and basic freedoms cannot be an arbitrary exercise of power. ”
The three judge bench, led by Justice N.V. Ramana, also said the “expression of dissent or disagreement against a government decision cannot be reason enough for internet suspension.”
The internet blackout would be relaxed on the 31st of January.
Stay tuned for further updates.
