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

The 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 the early hours of the morning as stringent security arrangements were put in place for Independence Day celebrations across the Valley, a police official said. Though the services were snapped as a precautionary measure, mobile phone services, which used to be suspended for the duration of the 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, the Centre has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court suggesting the 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 the people in Jammu and Kashmir, Centre told the top court while hearing the petition related to restoration of high-speed internet in the 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 the process will begin only after Independence Day, that is August 15.

Maintaining that 4G will increase the security threat in the valley, Centre has in its affidavit prepared after consulting its special committee and local authorities stated that services will not be resumed in any area adjoining international border/ LoC and only areas with low intensity of terrorist activities will be considered for the process. Earlier, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had informed the top court that Jammu Kashmir has a new Lt Governor and his assessment is sought in the matter.

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Extension of 2G

The 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. The administration has maintained that this move is done due to rise in anti-national activities over the coming weeks in the view of completing one year since the 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 the Centre abrogated Article 370 & which defined the permanent residents of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, thus giving special rights to J&K. These  restrictions were subsequently eased after the Supreme Court upheld that the continued ban on the internet was 'violation of freedom of expression'. BSNL has restored internet services throughout the Kashmir valley.

READ | J&K: No 4G internet till August 19; admin cites 'anti-national activities ahead of I-Day'