An order has been passed by the Home Department of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, extending the restrictions on the internet speed in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir till November 26, 2020.
Except the residents of two districts, Ganderbal and Udhampur will have access to only 2G mobile internet services.
To prevent terrorist and separatist elements from disrupting the elections for District Development Council Constituencies, Panchayati Raj Institution (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), the ban is necessary, as per the order issued on Thursday.
“During the last fortnight, there have also been targeted killing of the civilians/political activists, that manifest the nefarious design of the terrorists to dissuade general public from participating in the election process. Such unlawful acts heavily rely upon high speed mobile internet connectivity and are required to be thwarted by taking appropriate pre-emptive measures,” the order states.
The Government has directed,
- In the districts of Ganderbal and Udhampur, the High-Speed mobile data service shall continue to be made available, while in rest of the district’s the internet service speed will be reduced to 2G only.
- The services shall not be made available on pre-paid unless verified as per the norms applicable to post-paid connections. While the post-paid sim cardholders shall continue to provide access to the internet.
- Without any speed-related restrictions, internet connectivity shall continue to be made available with Mac-binding.
