Internet restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir extended till 24 feb, VPNs plays important role in extension

After abrogation of Article 370 on 5 Aug, Internet restrictions remained for 6 months in Jammu and Kashmir state (now Union Territory). After 6 months, 2G internet services with social media ban restored for 153 whitelisted websites on 25 January 2020. Later, whitelisted websites readded, and 500+ websites are working on 2G internet. According to govt order, 2G internet was extended till 7th feb 2020. The 2G internet was later extended on 7th feb to 15th feb 2020, according to government order no Home-09(TSTS) of 2020 dated 07-02-2020. The reason for extension was use of VPNs to access WhatsApp by several militants who were encountered in shootout in Ban Toll Plaza of Jammu.

On 15th February 2020, government again extended the mobile internet restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir till 24th feb 2020, according to govt order no. Home-13(TSTS) of 2020 dated 15-02-2020. In which, intelligence and law enforcement agencies has reported inter-alia bringing out the manner in which social media sites are being accessed through the Virtual Private Network (VPN) applications, for coordinating terror activities as well as to upload provocative material aimed at disturbing the public order and it has also been reported that attempts have been made to disturb the public peace by spreading rumours to incite the general public over the last week which necessitated temporary suspension of the Mobile Data services for limited period of time by the authorized officers, according to the report by The Chenab Times correspondent.

Principal Secretary, Shaleen Kabra (KAS) also stated in order that it is necessary so to do, in the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the state and for maintaining public order, in exercise of the sub-section (2) of section 5 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and sub-rule (1) of Rule 2 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, hereby directed that mobile data services and internet access through fixed line shall be allowed across UT of J&L with the following restrictions;

1. Mobile data services:

i. ISPs shall ensure access only to the whitelisted sites, as per Annexure A, and not to any social media applications allowing peer to peer communication and Virtual Private Network applications;

ii. Data services shall be available on the post-paid mobiles and on pre-paid sim cards of such holders whose credentials have been verified as per the norms applicable for post-paid connections; and

iii, The internet speed shall be restricted to 2G only,

2. Fixed line Internet connectivity:

Wherever connectivity has been provided w.e.f 14.01.2020 and onwards, ISPs shall ensure that access is limited to the whitelisted sites and not to any social media applications allowing peer to peer communication and Virtual Private Network applications. Internet connectivity shall be available only after Mac-binding.

4. It is further directed that all those who are provided access to the internet shall ensure that it is not misused for uploading the provocative material inimical to the interest of the State.

5. The access/communication facilities made available by the Government by way of e-terminals/internet kiosks apart from special arrangements for tourists,
students, traders etc, shall continue.

6. The IsGP, Kashmir/Jammu shall ensure communication of these directions to the service providers forthwith and ensure implementation of the directions with immediate effect.

7. The aforesaid directions shall be effective from 16th February, 2020 and remain in force till 24″ February, 2020, unless modified earlier.

Ground Report

People of Jammu and Kashmir have shown anger over the decision taken by government of J&K about Internet restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir. “We have faced a huge loss due to Internet Blockade for 6 month, and now after 6 months, govt is playing extension game for restoration of 4G internet,” a local resident of Doda area, Raja Irfan said.
“I started a shop in Thathri where I fill Online forms of my customers which needs literally no investment, because I have not so much money to invest for business, I bought laptop and a scanner, and invested about Rs 20,000 by taking it from my relatives and started my business in ending July of 2019. I got good response in the two weeks till 4 August, and suddenly everything shuts down. I thought, it maybe temporary restrictions as said by our Governor Satya Pal Malik which was actually lie. Governor extended many dates, he said after 15th august restrictions will be lifted, and later he said after 10 days restrictions will be lifted but nothing happens. Everything changed for me and of course for everyone in our J&K. I had pending rent charges of the shop and even I didn’t got any profit from the investment. I fell in loss,but after 6 months, when 2G internet was restored in January ending, I got a hope. But the govt is of liers, now the extension for restoration of 4G services is really sick thing. Not only I am suffering, everyone here is suffering due to these restrictions,” he added in a conversation with The Chenab Times correspondent.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) came to people as surviving hope to get connected with their business and more despite of Internet restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir. Even before, people have to stand in queue to send a document through email because WhatsApp was banned due to Internet restrictions. VPNs misuse are generally reported in 2-3 incidents, but it did many useful things for general public in majority like easy to connect with family and friends, our soldiers can easily chat to their families and more. (Name not to be mentioned) a army soldier said, “Finally, I saw my 2 years old daughter’s pic after 4 months on WhatsApp, when I came here.” He was not able to download the picture of her daughter, due internet restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir.

Opinion

There are lots of heart wrenching stories from the people, in which they are suffering due to blockade of mobile internet services. Encounters and shootouts have older relation with J&K, and majority of people have nothing to do with that. Due to 2-3 incidents in past 2 weeks, mobile internet restrictions are being extended. However, govt is claiming ‘normalcy’ in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir. Govt should not have to play with hopes of small entrepreneurs, students, youths and others.

 

Written by Anzer Ayoob

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