No objection in restoring 4G Internet: Lt Governor

SRINAGAR — After nearly a year of restricted mobile internet in Jammu and Kashmir, the administration has told the Centre that high-speed Internet will not be a security concern and has no objection in restoring 4G internet services, reported The Indian Express.

Lieutenant Governor GC Murmu told the newspaper: “We have been making representation for this. Pakistan will do its propaganda, whether it is 2G or 4G. It will always be there…but I don’t see an issue.”

Last Thursday, in an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, the Centre had told the top court that a committee constituted to examine the demands for restoring 4G services, following the orders of the court on 11 May, had met twice. The special committee comprises the Union home secretary, Department of Telecommunications secretary and the chief secretary of the Union Territory.

However, it decided not to relax the restrictions on Internet usage any further for the time being.

On May 04, the top court had reserved its order on the petitions for restoring 4G services in the region, reported Scroll.

The petitioners had argued that 4G services were essential amid the coronavirus pandemic so that people can connect with doctors in case of emergencies. They also said that without high-speed Internet services, schools have been facing problems in holding virtual classes for their students amid the lockdown. Doctors have also spoken out against the suspension of Internet services, which is necessary in the times of a health crisis.

Mr. Murmu also told The Indian Express that the Department of Information and Public Relations does not have the right to examine media for “anti-national content”. “I will check this, this is not required,” he said when asked about it. “There are relevant laws for this.”

A policy, implemented on 15 May, says, “DIPR shall examine the content of the print, electronic and other forms of media for fake news, plagiarism, unethical or anti-national activities.”