2G mobile internet to continue in J&K till Aug 19: Govt

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Says inputs suggest rise in anti-national activities over coming weeks

SRINAGAR: The government on Wednesday extended the ban on high speed mobile data services in Jammu and Kashmir till August 19, 2020.

The high speed mobile data services were banned in Jammu and Kashmir on August 05 last year and would complete one year after six days.

Principal Secretary to the Government, Shaleen Kabra, in an order issued under number Home-89 (TSTS) of 2020, dated 29-07-2020, a copy of which lies with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) reads that “restrictions on access to 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,” the order reads.

Subsequently, the Principal Secretary said that it was “absolutely necessary in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the Security of the State and for maintaining public order, the internet access across J&K shall be made available with 2G only.”

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