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| All eyes set on Govt as 4G restoration order expires today | | Home Deptt to review gag order after taking ground report from security agencies | | EARLY TIMES REPORT
JAMMU, Apr 26: All eyes will be set on the Jammu and Kashmir administration as its Internet gag order is expiring today on April 27 and there are questions being raised about whether it will continue with its 2G policy or restore 4G services in the erstwhile state.
As per the official sources, the decision whether to continue the low speed mobile internet operational in Jammu and Kashmir or to restore 4G services will be taken on April 27 as the review order the government issued earlier is expiring that day.
On April 15, the Jammu and Kashmir dispensation had ordered the continuance of 2G mobile data services till April 27, even as the demand for restoration of high-speed 4G internet was growing in view of the coronavirus outbreak. The reason cited by government at that time was that social media was being misused by terror outfits to circulate photos and mobilize crowds, like was done in recent funeral of militant attended by about 500 people.
As the validity of the order is expiring on April 27, all eyes are set on the government over its next decision. It is also important to note that on April 21, this year, the Supreme Court asked Centre and Jammu and Kashmir administration to file their responses by April 27 on a plea seeking restoration of 4G internet services in the Union territory in view of prevailing COVID-19 pandemic. The top court was told that due to non-availability of 4G services, several aspects are affected including medical facilities and education services.
Meanwhile, as per the official sources, the government is waiting for the final nod from the law enforcement agencies that would intimate it about the actual situation on ground and whether it is conducive to lift gag on the high speed mobile internet. “Nothing can be said as of now. You have to wait till tomorrow to see what will happen. All we can assume is that the final decision will be taken after thoroughly taking into consideration the law and order situation. There have been reports in the past that militants are making active use of the internet. Such aspects were not ignored in the past when decision about the continuance of the 4G internet was taken,” divulged an official.
Internet services were snapped in Jammu and Kashmir last year on August 5 when central government scrapped Article 370 and Article 35-A and downgraded the state of Jammu and Kashmir to a Union Territory. Fearing protests, the government snapped the communication services in the entire Jammu and Kashmir. However, restoration of fixed internet was made in a gradual manner. |
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