Ibni Maqbool
Srinagar, Aug 13: The government is to begin restoration of 4G internet services in Jammu & Kashmir likely from Srinagar and Jammu districts after August 15, sources told Precious Kashmir on Thursday.
Highly placed sources said that there are chances that 4G internet services would be first restored on trial basis in capital cities of the Union Territory.
“The proposal is under active consideration. The restoration of 4G services from capital cities can send a bigger message to people of J&K,” they said, adding that both districts are peaceful and no local militants are active in Srinagar.
A high-level panel headed by Union Home Secretary has recommended restoration of high speed internet in one district each in Jammu and Kashmir after August 15.
It recommended that the relaxation from 2G to 4G should be limited for the present to one district each in Jammu and Kashmir divisions so that both regions of UT are covered.
According to an affidavit submitted in the Supreme Court by Ministry of Home Affairs, the panel opined that the “overall security situation is still not conducive to lifting the limited restrictions on high speed internet through mobile devices whilst allowing broadband and 2G across the board”.
Hours before abrogation of Article 370 by BJP-led Central government on August 5 last year, telecommunication and internet services were snapped in Jammu and Kashmir.
The authorities had restored 2G internet services in Kashmir on January 25, more than five months after the Centre abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution which conferred special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, and its bifurcation into two Union Territories — Ladakh, and Jammu and Kashmir.
But restrictions continue on 4G internet services in Jammu and Kashmir causing immense hardship to people living in the UT.
