J&K admn cites possible misuse for partial restoration of internet
SRINAGAR: THE Jammu and Kashmir administration has cited possible misuse by “anti-national elements and terrorists” while explaining the partial restoration of internet amid calls for restoring the facility for the general public and media as well in the Kashmir Valley.
In compliance with the Supreme Court’s directions, the administration on Tuesday ordered the restoration of 2G mobile internet services on postpaid connections in five districts of the Jammu division. Broadband facilities were ordered to be restored only for institutions dealing with essential services like hospitals and banks in Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
On January 10, the Supreme Court called access to the internet a fundamental right by extension and pulled the government up for the telecommunications blackout ahead of the nullification in August of Article 370, which gave the region a special status. It directed the administration to review all internet suspension orders within a week.
In Tuesdy’s order, Jammu and Kashmir’s principal secretary, Shaleen Kabra, insisted misuse of data services “by antinational elements has the potential to “cause large-scale violence and disturb the public order”.
He cited police material related to terror modules, handlers from across the border, and activities of separatists and antinational elements. The order directed the internet service providers to install necessary firewalls and carry out “white-listing” of sites that would enable access to government websites and those dealing with essential services.
Meanwhile, PTI reported that in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur and Reasi districts, people were unable to see the ‘data markers’ on their mobile phones. However, the divisional administration said it had activated the internet services but will start them slowly.
“It is activated... the process is on,” Divisional Commissioner, Jammu region, Sanjeev Verma said. “My mobile is not showing the data marker. It is not accessible as yet,” Jammu university student Jugal Sharma said.