J&K Extends Ban On 4G Internet Till June 17 On Reports Of Surge In Infiltration

According to the official source, the reports of the law enforcement agencies have raised concerns about the need for speed-related restrictions on mobile data services to prevent misuse of the Internet.

(Photo by Muzamil Mattoo/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday extended the ban on 4G internet in Jammu and Kashmir till June 17, claiming that the reports have suggested a spurt in infiltration by militants during the coming weeks.

“The reports suggest a rise in the infiltration of (militant) during the coming weeks due to the onset of summer and melting of snow, which gets facilitated through the use of Voice on Internet Protocol (VOIP) and encrypted mobile communication, being used by the operatives/anti-national elements to communicate with their handlers from across the border,” said Shaleen Kabra, Principal Secretary Home Department said and ordered the continuation of the ban on high-speed internet till June 17. He said that the order has been passed while considering the overall security scenario and the reports of the law enforcement agencies inter-alia bringing out the necessity of speed-related restrictions on mobile data services to prevent misuse of the Internet. “The (IGsP), Kashmir/Jammu shall ensure communication of these directions to the service providers with immediate effect and ensure their implementation in letter and spirit,” Kabra added. According to the official, since May 12, the mobile internet services and even mobile cellular services (voice and SMS) had to be suspended for a limited period and in specific areas as a result of encounters and militant incidents including Nawakadal, a highly populated residential area in Srinagar. The restrictions were imposed for three days in the area due to likelihood of “misuse of the data services by the anti-national elements for mobilizing the crowds and creating law and order situation. “There have also been multiple instances of (militant) acts including attacks on security forces -leading to even death of the SF personnel, and attempts to encourage (militancy) through uploading and circulation of provocative videos and false propaganda -largely relying on Internet connectivity, to disturb the public order,” the principal secretary added.