Cash crunch hits Kashmir as digital banking stalls amid internet curbs

SRINAGAR — Mobile internet speed restrictions imposed across the Valley for the past three days have severely disrupted net banking and digital payment services, leaving customers and traders grappling with mounting inconvenience.

With reduced internet speed affecting mobile data services, phone-based banking applications and online payment gateways have become largely inaccessible. Customers attempting to make digital transactions reported repeated failures, delays and session timeouts, resulting in stalled business activities in several markets.

Many people, particularly those accustomed to carrying minimal cash and relying entirely on online transactions, said they were facing immense hardship. Shopkeepers informed that digital payment modes such as UPI and mobile banking apps were either not functioning properly or taking unusually long to process transactions.

Travellers and tourists visiting the Valley also reported difficulties in making hotel payments, booking transport and purchasing goods due to poor connectivity. Several visitors were seen searching for ATMs amid limited cash availability in certain localities.

The administration had restricted mobile internet speed following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, citing the need to curb the spread of misinformation on social media platforms. Officials have maintained that the measures are precautionary in nature.

While essential services remain operational, the slowdown has significantly impacted routine financial transactions, with traders urging authorities to review the restrictions at the earliest to restore normalcy in business operations.