J&K: High-speed mobile data ban extended to March 26

SRINAGAR — Authorities have extended restrictions on high-speed mobile internet (3G / 4G) in Jammu and Kashmir up to March 31.

The decision to continue with 2G mobile data services was taken in a review meeting held today, the Jammu and Kashmir government said in a notice issued on Tuesday.

The Government order reads, “On consideration of the overall security scenario and the reports of the law enforcement agencies inter-alia bringing out the necessity of speed related restrictions on mobile data services to prevent misuse of social media applications, as also taking note of recent terror activities and upon assessment of the available alternatives, 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, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 5 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and sub-rule (1) of Rule 2 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, hereby order that the directions/restrictions contained in Government Order No. 17 (TSTS) of 2020 dated 04.03.2020 shall continue to remain operative till 26th March, 2020 unless modified earlier.”

“The IGP Kashmir/Jammu shall ensure immediate compliance of these directions by all the service providers,” it reads further.

On January 24, 2G mobile internet services on postpaid as well as prepaid phones were restored after remaining shut for more than five months.

Telecom services were snapped in the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir on August 05 when the Centre abrogated Article 370 — stripping the state of its special status — and also bifurcated it into two Union Territories.

However, the Supreme Court came down heavily on the UT administration for arbitrarily shutting down the internet, the facility described as the fundamental right by the court.