Independence Day: Mobile internet services snapped in Kashmir as precautionary measure

Internet services on mobile devices were snapped across Kashmir on Independence Day as a precautionary measure but mobile phone services functioned as usual. Mobile internet services were cut in early hours of morning as stringent security arrangements were put in place for Independence Day celebrations across Valley, a police official said. Though services were snapped as a precautionary measure, mobile phone services, which used to be suspended for duration of Independence Day ceremony, functioned as usual, he added. 

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4G Internet To Be Restored On A Trial Basis

In a massive development on Tuesday, Centre has filed an affidavit in Supreme Court suggesting  restoration of 4G internet service in Jammu and Kashmir on a trial basis in selected areas. In a decision that comes as a relief for people in Jammu and Kashmir, Centre told top court while hearing petition related to restoration of high-speed internet in valley that 2G to 4G restoration will be done in one district in Jammu and one district in Kashmir on a trial basis for two months and process will begin only after Independence Day, that is August 15.

Maintaining that 4G will increase security threat in valley, Centre has in its affidavit prepared after consulting its special committee and local authorities stated that services will t be resumed in any area adjoining international border/ LoC and only areas with low intensity of terrorist activities will be considered for process. Earlier, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had informed top court that Jammu Kashmir has a new Lt Goverr and his assessment is sought in matter.

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Extension of 2G

Union territory's administration last week extended its ban on high-speed 4G internet till August 19. Internet remains restricted to 2G speed for post-paid sim cards and verified pre-paid sim cards. administration has maintained that this move is done due to rise in anti-national activities over coming weeks in view of completing one year since revocation of Article 370 and Independence Day.

READ | 4G internet to be restored on a trial basis in selected areas of J&K post August 15

Current internet scenario in Kashmir

Restrictions have been put on communication links since August 5 in Jammu and Kashmir as Centre abrogated Article 370 & which defined permanent residents of erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, thus giving special rights to J&K. se  restrictions were subsequently eased after Supreme Court upheld that continued ban on internet was 'violation of freedom of expression'. BSNL has restored internet services throughout Kashmir valley.

READ | J&K: 4G internet till August 19; admin cites 'anti-national activities ahead of I-Day'