J&K administration extends ban on high-speed internet in the union territory till May 11

On Monday, Jammu and Kashmir ordered to extend 2G internet service in Union Territory till May 11.

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In an order issued by Jammu and Kashmir Home Department’s Principal Secretary Shaleen Kabra said, 2G mobile internet services shall be accessible to postpaid sim cardholders and only to verified pre-paid sim cardholders.

The Jammu and Kashmir government said, “Internet to be restricted to 2G only. Postpaid SIM cardholders will continue to be provided access to the internet, won’t be available on prepaid SIM cards unless verified as per norms for postpaid connections. This order is effective from April 28 till May 11, unless modified earlier”, adding further it said, “Fixed-line internet connectivity shall be available with Mac-binding.”
Further, it stated this has been done to restraint the circulation of rumours amidst the ‘spurt in terrorist violence’ in the union territory.

Principal Secretary, Home Department, read the order issued by Shaleen Kabra, “There has been a spurt in terrorist violence with the launch of new terror outfits and the field agencies have well-founded apprehensions of enhanced efforts by Pakistan for recruitment in the terrorist ranks as well as infiltration attempts, which heavily depend on high-speed internet”.
It said the misuse of internet services by anti-national elements is likely to give rise to vicious activities and disturb public order.

“Whereas the misuse of data services by anti-national elements has the potential to scale up violent activities and disturb public order, which has till now been maintained due to gradual easing of restrictions on access to the internet while ensuring the rights and interests of the citizens are not affected adversely”, said in the order, quoting Kabra.
Formerly, the internet was banned in J&K and the state was under unprecedented security lockdown after the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5. It was reinstated in a phased manner across the valley. Though, high-speed mobile internet services continue to remain restricted.

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