Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Government on Thursday extended 4G internet ban in all but two districts till Nov 30, asserting that “it is absolutely necessary so to do in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India.”
As per an order issued by Shaleen Kabra (lAS), Principal Secretary to the Government Home department here, the directions were reviewed by the Review Committee.
“It is apprehended that the (militants) and separatist elements shall make every possible attempt to disrupt the democratic process. During the last fortnight, there have also been targeted killing of the civilians, political activists, that manifest the nefarious designs of the (militants) to dissuade general public from participating in the election process,” reads an order issued by the Principal Secretary Home Shaleen Kabra.
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“Such unlawful acts heavily rely upon high speed mobile internet connectivity and are required to be thwarted by taking appropriate pre-emptive measures to create an environment of safety and security for the contesting candidates and the general public.”
“These directions have had a salutary effect on misuse of data services for rumor-mongering, circulation of fake news, inducement of local youth to join the (militant) ranks and coordination of (militant) activities and the situation requires continued close monitoring considering the attempts of infiltration from across the border, presence of foreign (militants) affiliated lo Pak based (militant) outfits and a number of (militant) acts in recent past necessitating even complete suspension of the internet/telecom services, albeit for a limited period of time.”
Subsequently, the government has extended the internet ban on high speed mobile data services except in the districts of Ganderbal and Udhampur till November 26.
“The directions shall be effective from today, the 12th November, 2020 and remain in force till 26th November, 2020, unless modified earlier,” the government said and directed the IsGP, Kashmir and Jammu to communicate these directions to service providers forthwith and “ensure their implementation in letter and spirit.”
