| Govt likely to restore 4G Internet in JK before May 27 | | Review meeting stresses for area wise restoration, announcement on cards | |
EARLY TIMES REPORT
JAMMU, May 22: Chances are high that the Jammu and Kashmir government may restore high speed mobile internet services in the Union Territory by or before May 27, this year, official sources divulged here.
It was informed that two review meetings in this regard were held in the recent past wherein emphasis was laid for the restoration of high speed mobile internet in Jammu and Kashmir. Deliberations were also held over whether the 4G services should be restored in a phased manner depending upon the law and order situation of the area where the authorities intend to make the services functional.
Sources informed that chances are high that a very important announcement in this regard will be made in near future and that by or before May 27, final call on this issue will be taken.
That government had on May 12 this year extended the ban on high speed internet services till May 27. In its May 12 order, the home department stated that over the past two weeks, there has been a sharp increase in (militancy) related incidents, ranging from isolated attacks on civilians, hurling of grenades in public places, indiscriminate firing and attacks on the security forces’ personnel deployed on Naka duties to enforce restrictions to contain COVID-19,” it said, adding, “(There has been) Increased presence of (militants) in the thickly populated areas and engagements with Security Forces leading to killing of (militants and recovery of arms and ammunition.”
“Given the availability of fixed line internet connectivity without any speed related restrictions and taking cognizance of the fact that mobile internet connectivity at 2G speed does not cause any impediment in taking measures concerning control of COVID -19, it is considered appropriate that while the mobile internet is restored in the Kashmir Valley excluding Pulwama and the adjoining district of Shopian, it is restricted to 2G speed,” it said.
With the abrogation of Article 370, the unprecedented blackout of mobile and internet services was enforced in J&K on August 5, 2019. The central government only restored the cellular and 2G internet services on January 25.
In Jammu where the situation has been peaceful since the abrogation of Article 370, but it has been reeling under unprecedented internet blackout for absolutely no fault. According to the estimates of study, the present gag is longest ever in the history of the world with people in both the regions- Jammu as well as in Kashmir facing internet gag for more than 280 days. |
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