Finally, after much waiting, there is some hope about the restoration of the high service internet, albeit only in two districts, of Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier this week, the centre submitted before the top court of the country that on the trial basis and taking into consideration the option to tryÂout of opening up high-speed internet despite the current security situation as reflected in the inputs of the security agencies, the Special Committee, constituted for the purpose, was of the view, that the present situation “could permit “ a carefully calibrated easing of some restrictions in limited and specified geographical areas which are comparatively less sensitive from national security, internal security, border security and public order standpoint, subject to strict monitoring and periodical review.
The statement followed the former Lieutenant Governor GC Murmu’s interview to a national daily that the J&K government was not averse to the restoration of the high-speed internet as “Pakistan will do its propaganda, whether it is 2G or 4G. It will always be there”.
At the same time, New Delhi while expressing readiness for restoring the internet on trial basis, it repeated that the Committee was of the considered view that the threat perception on the security front in Jammu and Kashmir continues to be high. It was also of the view that internet speed related restrictions are not posing any hindrance to Covid control measures, access to education programmes or carrying out business activities.
Never the less though, the committee said that the trial could begin after August 15 in the areas having the low intensity of militant activities and minimal spillover effects on neighbouring areas, that the impact of the trial should be assessed by the State Level Committee periodically but at least once in seven working days. Finally, it said the central Committee will review the outcome of the trial after a period of two months or before that if so required.
The Government’s justification notwithstanding, the prolonged internet gag wrecked the local Kashmir economy including IT companies and start-ups. The students continue to have hard times studying online as the low-speed 2G speed remains insufficient enough to access video lessons. At times it is annoying for them. In this scenario, the restoration of the 4G, even though on trial basis would be welcomed given the suffering in its absence for almost a year now. It would be also a great step towards normalizing life in the Jammu and Kashmir after more than a year now.
