SHAH KHALID
Srinagar Feb, 13 : The 2G mobile internet services were suspended four times in last 19 days across Kashmir after the same was restored by the authorities on 25 January 2020 for the first time after the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir.
After August 05 when the Central Government had scraped the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the erstwhile state into two federally run territories, all internet services had been paralyzed from that day including Broadband services which is run by the central Government corporation Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, which is mostly accessed in Government, Health, Education and other allied agencies as well in media houses. Despite facing the criticism from various quarters and the intervention of Hon’ble Apex court, the authorities only managed to restore 2G- internet services with 270 white listed websites which later was increased to 700, besides having a blanket ban on social networking sites.
Recently on 9th of February the day which is remembered as “Afzal Guru Anniversary” who was hanged on 9th of February 2013 in New-Delhi’s Tihar jail, the 2G-internet service was suspended till afternoon. A day after on 11th of February the day which is marked as “Maqbool Bhat Anniversary” the authorities have again suspended the 2G-Internet services and the day on which the 25 member European Union parliamentarians have arrived in the valley, a rumor was circulating about the deteriorating health condition of 90 year old Veteran separatist leader Syed Ali shah Geelani and in view of that the authorities have again snapped down the 2G internet services in Kashmir division, besides that security has been beefed up in the volatile areas of Kashmir Valley.
Earlier on Republic Day internet across Kashmir was suspended as a precautionary measures.
It has been observed from couple of years the authorities have find it easy to stop the internet services in Kashmir valley to tackle with any ground situation, which has become easy exercise for them, besides taking some feasible and concrete steps. “The frequent internet-gag has put every stake holder in great dilemma” said a student who wished (anonymity).
Meanwhile the family members of the ailing leader told Kashmir Despatch that he is ill from couple of months but his condition is now stable.
Later in the afternoon on Thursday authorities have restored back the 2G-internet services in Kashmir division.
