J&K govt extends high-speed mobile internet ban till Dec 11 amid 'intense poll campaign'

Citing upcoming DDC polls again, Jammu-Kashmir administration on Thursday, restricted internet in valley till 2G speed till 11 December. Maintaining that as 'intense political activity' has been witnessed for upcoming polls with campaigning, state government states re has been a surge in terrorist activities in Ban Toll plaza, Nagrota, Jammu and Parimpora, Srinagar. 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 Dec 11

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DDC polls & controversy

J&K administration anunced J&K's first-ever District Development Council polls in eight phases from vember 28 to December 19, with counting of votes scheduled for December 22. 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, has alleged that coalition's poll candidates are being whisked away to 'secure locations' and confined to m, amid security concern. coalition has alleged that while its candidates were t being allowed to campaign freely, BJP was allowed to do so. Around 250 companies or 25,000 central paramilitary personnel have been sent by Centre for providing security cover to polls.

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

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