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Internet services were shut down in Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019 along with telephone services ahead of the abrogation of Article 370.
Though limited landline, mobile and internet services were restored earlier this year, 4G services was not.
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And it seems like Kashmiris will have to continue their wait for 4G internet as the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has decided against resuming it.
The MHA informed the Supreme Court that the special committee constituted to look into the issue of restoring 4G internet in Jammu and Kashmir.
In an affidavit filed earlier this week, in response to contempt petition against the Jammu and Kashmir administration, the MHA said: “Based on a considered and wide-ranging assessment of the prevailing situation in this sensitive region, the committee arrived at a decision that no further relaxation of restrictions on internet services, including 4G services, could be carried out at present.”
The MHA said the next review by the special panel will be carried out after two months.
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The affidavit said however, the situation will be regularly reviewed by other competent authorities, and if there is an improvement in the security situation appropriate action will be taken accordingly.
On July 16, a bench headed by Justice N V Ramana directed the Jammu and Kashmir administration and the Centre to respond on the allegations of contempt raised against it in a petition by the Foundation of Media Professionals.
The petitioner moved the Apex court seeking action against officials for allegedly defying the Top court’s order on the constitution of a special committee to review the internet restrictions.
The bench had noted the decision on the services should have been put in the public domain.
BCCL
According to the affidavit, the special committee had held two meetings, before arriving at the conclusion to not ease restrictions on internet services in Jammu and Kashmir. The affidavit added that a separate government notification was not required since the committee was formed following court’s directive.
On May 15, the first meeting was held, four days after the Apex court ruling to form a panel to review internet restrictions. In this meeting, suggestions put forward by the petitioners were discussed and also the prevailing security situation along with the impact of internet restrictions in the region were looked into. No conclusion was reached during the meeting and it was decide to gather more inputs in connection with present situation on the ground.
BCCL/FILE
The committee met again on June 10 to analyse the fresh inputs. “A thorough and comprehensive and consideration of all facets of the matter, including the feasibility of alternatives suggested by the petitioners as well as the recent occurrence of terrorism-related incidents in the region, was carried out” said the affidavit.
