High-Speed mobile Internet to remain suspended in Jammu & Kashmir till November 26, except in two districts

The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday extended its ban on the high-speed mobile data services (4G and 3G) in the Union Territory till November 26, 2020. Two districts, Ganderbal and Udhampur, have been exempted from the ban..Hence, only 2G mobile internet services will be available in all the districts except Ganderbal and Udhampur. .According to an order issued by the Principal Secretary to the government, Shaleen Kabra (Government Order no. Home- 120 (TSTS) of 2020), the ban has been necessitated in view of approaching elections for District Development Council Constituencies, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), which terrorist and separatist elements may attempt to disrupt. .Such elements rely heavily on high-speed mobile internet for their activities, the order states. ."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 internet connectivity and are required to be thwarted by taking appropriate pre-emptive measures to create an environment of safety and security for the contesting candidates and the general public,” the order notes..It also stated the security agencies have reported infiltration attempts by militants, along the LoC. .“They have also indicated potential of misuse of high speed data services in disturbing public order,” the order added..In view of the same, a ban on high-speed internet has been imposed by the Government, stating, .“Now, therefore, considering the reports of the law enforcement agencies, inter-alia, bringing out the necessity of speed related restrictions on mobile data services, and upon assessment of the available alternatives, I. Principal Secretary to the Government Home Department, being satisfied that, it is absolutely necessary so to do in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State and for maintaining public order. in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of sections of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and sub-rule (1) of rule 2 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, hereby order that the high speed mobile data services in the districts of Ganderbal and Udhampur shall continue to made available, while in rest of the districts, the internet speed be restricted to 2G only till 26 November, 2020, unless modified earlier.".As far as fixed line connections are concerned, internet will be available without any speed restrictions with Mac binding. .The order also says that postpaid sim cardholders shall continue to be provided access to the internet. However, these services shall not be made available on pre-paid cards unless verified as per the norms applicable for post-paid connections..“The IsGP, Kashmir Jammu, who are the authorized officers in their respective areas of jurisdiction, shall ensure communication of these directions to the service providers forthwith and their implementation in letter and spirit,” the order adds.