Internet services was snapped on August 5, 2019, when the centeral government imposed a clampdown in Jammu and Kashmir state (now Union Territory), all the communication services were snapped including calling, sms and internet services. While curfew was imposed in erstwhile state. This was done because central government wants to abrogate Article 370 and 35-A which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. And they abrogated the article in the same month and bifurcated the J&K into two Union Territories.
In Jammu Division, the calling services was restored in first week of September. Later, in the last week of January, 2G internet services restored in Jammu division and later in Kashmir division. And from February, the dates of 4G restoration starting extending by UT Government. It has been 3rd month, the dates of 4G restoration extension is still extending. Students and businessmen suffering due to this 4G ban. One of the report on The Chenab Times, shows that how VIP helped people to bypass the Social Media ban. And UT govt. pointed that using social media via VPN supports terror activities. However it is false claim. For 5-6 incident of encounters, millions of people are under digital lockdown. It is a black mark on history of J&K.
In a press statement, Amrish Jasrotia stated, “Talking on a big jolt again on 4G internet restoration, Amrish Jasrotia (State President, Global Youth Movement) lambasted government for further extending 2G services instead of restoring 4G internet services in Jammu and Kashmir. He strongly condemned the recent order on the further extension, he added that it is a attack on the fundamental rights of the people of the state and government is violating Article 14 (Right to Equality), Article 19 (Freedom of Speech) and Article 21 (Right to Life) of the constitution. He commented on the argument of security and misuse of social media given by the government that, “despite of internet ban there has been no drop in the terrorist attack” and “Why should all the people suffer because of some certain people who misuse social media?”. He added that students, traders, educational institutions, health sector are badly affected by the poor internet services. In this crucial time of pandemic, doctors are struggling to access important information online and have to wait for hours to download and access, although dependency of students are mainly on online classes and other online study material, so government must think about the future of the youngsters of the state as they also suffered a lot because of the inappropriate basic services since 5th of August, 2019. He appealed to government to review their order and restore 4G internet services in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.”
It has been noticed that majority of population of J&K UT demanding restoration of 4G internet services in J&K. Over 100 times the hashtags #restore4GinternetinJammuKashmir #JKwants4G #restore4GinJK and others related hashtags are trending.
Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times