High-speed Internet ban in J&K extended till Aug 19

SRINAGAR: Notwithstanding Lt Gov G C Murmu’s statement in an interview that he had"no objection" to the restoration of

4G

Internet services in Jammu and Kashmir, the government of the Union Territory extended the ban on Wednesday till August 19.

An order issued by

principal secretary

(home)

Shaleen Kabra

said restrictions on access to the Internet through

mobile data services

have been "necessitated" in view of its "misuse in planning and executing (militant) acts, including attacks on security forces, political workers and innocent civilians, propagation of ideologies inimical to the interests of the country, misguiding the youth to join (militant) ranks, communicating and coordinating with handlers across the border to facilitate infiltration".

"There are inputs suggesting rise in the anti-national activities over the coming weeks, more so in view of completion of an year since implementation of the constitutional changes viz-a-viz J&K, Independence day celebrations, etc, (sic)" reads the order.

The principal secretary said it was "absolutely necessary in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the state and for maintaining public order" that Internet access across J&K be made available only on 2G.

"The directions shall remain in force upto 19 August, 2020, unless modified earlier. The IGP, Kashmir/Jammu shall ensure communication of these directions to the service providers and ensure implementation of these directions forthwith," the order added.