The Jammu & Kashmir administration extended the ban on 4G and allowed the 2g internet service facility for the residents of the Union Territory (UT) till November 12. The ban on high-speed internet services was extended till November 12 in all except two districts.

Meanwhile, as per the order high-speed mobile data services will be available in Ganderbal and Udhampur districts. Services in the entire region will be available for post-paid SIM card-holders only. Furthermore, the order specified that fixed-line internet connectivity, without any speed restrictions will continue to be made available. As per an order issued by the Principal Secretary, Home Department, the restrictions in high-speed internet services have been felt “absolutely necessary in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India.”

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir allowed access to 2G mobile internet services on prepaid and post-paid phones after a blockade of six months since the abrogation of provisions of Article 370 on August 5 last year, in late January this year. The development came after the Supreme Court of India on January 10, asked the authorities to review the restrictions in J&K and observed that ‘access to the internet’ is a fundamental right under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution. Clampdown on internet services was imposed in Jammu and Kashmir after the Centre’s abrogation of the contentious Article 370 on August 5 last year.

The order read, “The Special Committee constituted by the Supreme Court held its meeting to consider the continuation or otherwise of the directions regarding the regulation of the Internet Services in the context of the views expressed by security agencies and administration of JK, especially related to the security aspects, the border security, and the concerns on the account of public order.” It further added, “The Committee noted that the internet speed related restrictions are not posing hindrance to COVID Control measures, access to educational programmes and carrying out of business activities.”

The order copy provided by the Principal Secretary to the Government, Shaleen Kabra, read, “The directions shall be effective from October 21, 2020, and remain in force till November 12, 2020, unless modified earlier.” The officials have been asked to communicate the same to the service providers in the region. The Principal Secretary said that the restrictions shall remain in force till November 12, or unless notified earlier. The IGPs have been asked to ensure the communication of these directions to the service providers forthwith and their implementations on the ground in “letter and spirit.”

The author is a student member of Amity Centre of Happiness.