Ban on high-speed Internet extended in J&K

SRINAGAR — The government on Friday extended ban on high-speed 3G and 4G Internet services in Jammu and Kashmir, barring Ganderbal and Udhampur districts, till January 22.

The Home Department, in an order issued here, said “certain restrictions” have been placed on access to high-speed mobile data connectivity to “curb uploading / downloading / circulation of provocative videos and defeat the nefarious designs of the forces within and from across the border to create a narrative by running a disinformation campaign.”

“The apprehensions of the law enforcement agencies regarding misuse of high speed mobile data services for infiltration and for coordinating (militant) activities gets credence from investigation of ongoing cases and recent incident of interception of (militants) and recoveries of arms/ammunition, with increased activity on the IB/LoC,” reads the order.

“Now, therefore, on consideration of the overall security scenario and the reports of the law enforcement agencies inter-alia bringing out the necessity for continuation of speed related restrictions on mobile data services to prevent misuse of social media as also taking note of the (militant) activities during the last fortnight, I, Principal Secretary to the Government, Home Department, being satisfied that it is absolutely necessary so to do, in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the Security of the State and for maintaining public order, hereby order that the directions/restrictions contained in Government Order No. 143(TSTS) of 2020 dated 25.12.2020 shall continue to remain operative till 22nd January, 2021, unless modified earlier,” the order said.

The IGsP, Kashmir and Jammu shall communicate these directions to the service providers forthwith and ensure their implementation in letter and spirit, the order adds.