J&K admin extends high-speed mobile internet ban till Nov 26, citing DDC elections

Extending ban on high-speed mobile internet in all of Jammu-Kashmir (except two districts), J&K ministration on Thursday, restricted internet in valley till 2G speed till 26 vember. ministration has stated that anuncement of elections to 280 DDC constituencies and by-elections to 13400 PRIs has captured interest of people, which will make 'terrorist and separatist' elements attempt elections. High-speed mobile internet will continue to remain functional only in Ganderbal and Udhampur districts, post-paid services, and verified pre-paid services.

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J&K: high-speed mobile internet till v 26

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DDC elections anunced

People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), an amalgam of seven political parties in Jammu and Kashmir seeking restoration of erstwhile state's special status, anunced seat-sharing arrangement for first phase of maiden District Development Council (DDC) polls in Union Territory on Thursday. NC is contesting 21 of 27 seats in Kashmir valley, PDP, led by Mehbooba Mufti, is contesting four, while Saj Lone-led People's Conference (PC) will field candidates in two seats for first phase. alliance, however, did t reveal names of candidates contesting first phase of polls. While Congress was supposed to contest along with PAGD, BJP too has anunced its list of candidates. polls to DDCs will be held in eight phases from vember 28 to December 24, according to a tification issued by State Election Commission. 

J&K min resumes 4G internet in Ganderbal & Udhampur on trial basis till September 8

Current internet scenario in Kashmir

Restrictions have been put on communication links since August 5 in Jammu and Kashmir, se were subsequently eased, after Supreme Court upheld that continued ban on internet was 'violation of freedom of expression'. Since revocation, state-run internet provider BSNL has restored internet services throughout Kashmir valley, but with a speed of 2G with special instructions. temporary ban on social media sites was removed in March, however, complaints of inaccessibility persisted.

Consequently, ministration has reviewed scenario on a monthly basis but has repeatedly extended ban on high-speed internet. In May, Supreme Court h refused to pass orders to restore 4G internet services in Jammu and Kashmir and inste directed Centre to form a special committee to examine petitioners’ demands. Recently, Valley has seen heightened terror activities with several BJP Sarpanchs/leers being attacked, resulting in mass resignations.

PAGD anunces seat-sharing arrangements for DDC polls in J and K; NC to contest 21 seats in Kashmir