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New Delhi, Apr 24 () Over 40 global rights groups, part of a campaign #KeepItOn, on Friday demanded the restoration of 4G services in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the absence of high-speed internet is hampering works of doctors, journalists and others amid the COVID-19 lockdown.<p> In an open letter signed by organisations like Access Now, Committee to Protect Journalists, Internet without borders, Human Rights Watch said that the absence of 4G internet has particularly hindered the work of health professionals who are on the front-lines combating this global pandemic.</p><p> "Doctors in Jammu and Kashmir are struggling to access important information, often waiting hours to download and access information such as guidelines for intensive care management of the virus and best practices recommended by the WHO. The restriction of high-speed internet access has also impeded the work of human rights defenders, journalists and other actors working in the region," the letter said.</p><p> The coalition these groups which opposes internet shutdown in any part of the world said that the access to information and the free-flow of communications, including for the media, is more crucial than ever in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, which continues to claim thousands of lives globally, especially given the novelty of the virus and lack of a vaccine.</p><p> It said that the people are relying on the internet and digital communication platforms to access life-saving information provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other public health experts.</p><p> "Access to accurate information is indispensable in tackling the spread of COVID-19 and it must, therefore, be the priority of every government. The internet is also playing a crucial role during the pandemic in allowing people to carry out important activities while they avoid public spaces since gathering facilitates the spread of the virus," it said.</p><p> The total number of cases in Jammu and Kashmir has risen to 454. While 57 ases are from the Jammu division, 397 are from the Kashmir division, according to officials.</p><p> There are 340 active COVID-19 cases in Jammu and Kashmir. A total of 109 patients have recovered and five have died due to coronavirus, they added.</p><p> The government in March had restored 2G mobile services in Jammu and Kashmir. However, 4G serivces are yet to be restored.,</p><p> "Access to the internet is also essential for human rights defenders, activists, and journalists to carry out their work of bringing important information to the doorsteps of the people," the letter said.</p><p> According to the coalition, there have been 213 shutdowns globally in 2019 and the number of countries imposing shutdown increased to 33 in 2019 from 25 in 2018.</p><p> India topped the list of countries with 121 internet shutdowns. It was followed by Venezuela with 12 internet shudowns, 11 in Yemen, 8 in Iraq, 6 in Algeria and 4 in Ethiopia.</p> The #KeepItOn campaign is being run by rights groups to fight internet shutdowns globally.  PRS  MKJ

Lockdown: Global rights groups demand restoration of 4G services in J&K

<br /><ul><li><keyword id="382594" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="internet-access">Internet access</keyword> in <keyword id="17605" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jammu-and-kashmir">Jammu and Kashmir</keyword> continues to be throttled at 2G speeds despite demands of better speeds in order to access education and healthcare services during the coronavirus lockdown.<br /></li><li>Lawyers told Business Insider that the issue of internet access in India’s troubled state is not about the ‘right to freedom’, but about the ‘right to life’.<br /></li><li>The argument that 4G speeds in Jammu and Kashmir would facilitate terrorism implies that access to faster internet can’t be restored until terrorism is completely eradicated.<br /></li></ul>Access to 4G internet in Jammu and Kashmir was shot down by the Supreme Court on Monday. Instead, they passed on the responsibility of restoring fast-speed internet access onto a committee that will determine the balance between ‘national security’ and ‘human rights’. <br /><br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="75670549" title="India's Supreme Court won't allow 4G in Jammu and Kashmir⁠— despite petitioners' plea that it's essential for healthcare, education and business during the coronavirus lockdown" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><br />Jammu and Kashmir had the face the longest internet shutdown in India’s history lasting 7 months — between 4 August 2019 to 4 March 2020 — after the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/jammu-and-kashmir-and-ladakh-will-now-be-two-separate-union-territories/articleshow/70531866.cms">Article 370 of the Constitution was abrogated</a> by the Indian government. Internet services have since been restored in a phased manner, however only at 2G speeds. <br /><br />“While the Supreme Court’s judgment appears to be based on the principle that no ‘fundamental freedom’ is absolute, this is a case of ‘right to life’,” Padmaja Kaul, a partner at IndusLaw, told Business Insider. <br /><br /><div type="image" title="kashmir3_edited" msid="75708345" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Due to constant blockade of mobile phones and internet, landline or fixed line phones are of great demand. Many temporary landline phone booths have been set up in many parts of the valley especially in Srinagar city&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />“It is unlikely that we have seen the last of this legal tussle and with each passing day, it seems more imperative that the Supreme Court will need to step in and play a greater role in safeguarding the fundamental rights of its citizens,” said Kaul.<br /><br /><strong>The coronavirus pandemic is only making things worse<br /></strong>The petitioners argued that 2G internet services aren’t enough to fulfil the requirements that have now come up due to the coronavirus lockdown. Essential services — like education and medical consultation — now have to be conducted online, and slow internet speeds are subpar to meet those demands. <br /><br /><div type="image" title="kashmir6_edited" msid="75708450" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Around 985 Jammu and Kashmir students studying in various colleges across Karnataka were ferried in BMTC buses from Byappanhalli to Chikbanawara railway station&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />“The issue, essentially, boils down to whether the denial of access to the most efficient, convenient and potentially cheap mode of accessing healthcare services or education — that is through the use of 4G internet — is violative of the constitution. This, during a pandemic, must be a resounding yes,” Kaul explained.<br /><br />The counter-argument presented was that there is no report of anyone dying of COVID-19 due to internet restrictions, which according to Kaul, is akin to an ostrich hiding its head under the ground. “The Supreme Court, in innumerable decisions, has held that the right to health is a part of the right to life and that there is a constitutional duty on the State to ensure timely healthcare services,” she said.<br /><br /><div type="image" title="kashmir4_edited" msid="75708371" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;User access social media after authorities lifted ban allowing the people of Jammu and Kashmir to access it on 2G mobile internet till March 17. This is the first time in seven months that access has been given to social media platforms after central government scraped Article 370 in August last year, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br /><strong>Terrorism can’t be the justification to curtail access to internet<br /></strong>The official narrative in court pushed on the fact that access to faster internet speeds could be the means to facilitate terrorism. Petitioners argued that there was “no rational relation” between the two. Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi even pointed out that in most cases of terrorism in the state, they were conducted in areas where there was no internet access, to begin with. <br /><br />“The court has refused to take a view if faster internet can be restored in J&amp;K in view of pandemic and held on to its view that the national security considerations prevail over other fundamental rights in view of the security circumstances of J&amp;K,” said Siddharth Mahajan, a partner at Athena Legal.<br /><br /><div type="image" title="kashmir5_edited" msid="75708402" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Many Kashmiris residing in Bengaluru along with activists and volunteers gathered at Town Hall to protest against the shut down in Kashmir following scrapping of Article 370 and demanded that internet and mobile phne connections to be restored immediately in August 2019&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />Data from the <a href="https://www.satp.org/datasheet-terrorist-attack/india/Jammu-and-Kashmir-fatalities-1998-2019">South Asia Terrorism Portal</a> shows that the incidence of terrorism was much higher before 2006 when the internet was slower and, even non-existent, in certain areas. “The logical extension of the government’s stand of curtailing 4G while terrorism is prevalent may lead to the absurd result that J&amp;K may never have access to 4G until and unless terrorism is completely eradicated from the valley,” added Kaul.<br /><br /><strong>The question of fundamental rights<br /></strong>The Freedom on the Net <a href="https://freedomhouse.org/sites/default/files/2019-11/11042019_Report_FH_FOTN_2019_final_Public_Download.pdf">report</a> highlights that India is the second worst violator of internet user rights calling access to internet only ‘partly free’ in the country. “The nature of the fundamental rights in our Constitution is very interesting. Most rights — including the right to life and the freedom of speech, expression, etc. — are couched in negative terminology. That is, the state cannot deprive persons of such rights unless there are constitutionally permitted exceptions,” said Kaul.<br /><br />The opposition in court argued that there are aren’t any restriction on fixed-line connections, so eduction and healthcare services should not be hampered. However, most people in India access the internet using mobile phone — not laptops — which is cheaper.<br /><br /><div type="image" title="kashmir8_edited" msid="75708496" hostid="261" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;A paramilitary personnel stands on guard during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown crisis. Restrictions continued on movement of people to curb the spread of coronavirus in Kashmir valley&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />Denying access to the fast-speed internet in Jammu and Kashmir is ironic because the court itself has faced connectivity issues, even though it operates on fixed-line broadband. The internet restrictions in the state have been enacted under the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017. “The said rules allow the government to regulate the temporary suspension of telecom services due to public emergency or public safety,” Kaul explained.<br /><br />However, the provision is meant to be for “temporary suspension” — not nearly a year. “The issue that needs to be highlighted is the proportionality in restricting access for such a prolonged period,” said Kaul.<br /><br /><strong>SEE ALSO:<br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/indias-supreme-court-wont-allow-4g-internet-in-jammu-and-kashmir/articleshow/75670549.cms">India's Supreme Court won't allow 4G in Jammu and Kashmir⁠— despite petitioners' plea that it's essential for healthcare, education and business during the coronavirus lockdown</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/experts-explain-the-legal-and-moral-pitfalls-in-aarogya-setu-app-despite-the-governments-insistence-that-a-protocol-has-been-put-in-place/articleshow/75690239.cms">Experts explain the legal and moral pitfalls in Aarogya Setu app ⁠— despite the government’s insistence that a protocol has been put in place</a><br /><br /></strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-will-see-multiple-waves-of-covid-19-infections-every-few-months-but-thats-not-a-reason-to-panic/articleshow/75707889.cms"><strong>India will see multiple waves of COVID-19 infections every few months — but that's not a reason to panic</strong></a><br />

Internet access in Jammu and Kashmir isn’t about the ‘right to freedom’ — it’s about the ‘right to life’, according to lawyers

<ul><li>Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation late last evening on the Kashmir issue, but didn’t mention when the curfew would be uplifted. </li><li>Kashmiris continue to live in curfew, with no internet, no calls. </li><li>The UN Secretary General too has expressed his concern about the worsening of human rights in <keyword id="23412" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jammu-Kashmir">Jammu &amp; Kashmir</keyword>.</li></ul>For the last five days, Indians have been arguing, joking and debating the abrogation of Article 370, resulting in endless calls, and social media messages. But those who should have had a say in the matter, Kashmiris, are silent. Because, they have been silenced. <br /><br />The Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced in the Rajya Sabha that Article 370 is scrapped. And Kashmir has been on lockdown a day before the announcement, which is August 4. <br /><br />Since Sunday night, internet services have been suspended in Jammu &amp; Kashmir, with a curfew in place since Monday morning (August 5). And, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made no announcement on lifting it in an address to the nation <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/narendra-modi-address-to-the-nation-live-updates-and-speech-highlights-on-kashmir-news/articleshow/70589852.cms">yesterday</a>, even as he doled out infrastructure and industry benefits. <br /><br />Modi however did promise that he would facilitate Eid celebration. But he did not say how, as the status quo remains in the valley. He did not speak about the communications blackout and transportation issues in the newly formed union territories. <br /><br />This is the case even as Muslims across the country are gearing up to celebrate Eid on August 12. Kashmiris are still not sure about their fate. <br /><br />Social media is filled with messages and pleas from Kashmiris living outside of Jammu &amp; Kashmir hoping for the safety of their family back home. Screenshots of messages are doing the rounds of students and professionals trying to reach out to their parents, but have no response. <br /><br />But the new found constitutional status is not on top of the minds of Kashmiris. A <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/kashmir-article-370-revoked-valley-faces-shortage-essential-items-due-curfew-1578458-2019-08-08">shortage of food</a> and other necessities is beginning to worry them as the curfew prevails. Reports say that people are unable to communicate with their neighbours as well.<br /><br />Over a 100 people have been arrested so far. That includes former chief ministers like Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah as well as Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference leaders Sajjad Lone and Imran Ansari. There is no word from the government on when they would be released, either. <br /><br />António Guterres, the UN Secretary General expressed his concerns over the plight of Kashmiris. A statement released on Thursday by the UN said, “The Secretary-General is also concerned overreports of restrictions on the Indian-side of Kashmir, which could exacerbate the human rights situation in the region.”<br />

It’s been 5 days since Article 370 was scrapped but Kashmiris continue to live in the dark

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Reuters</span></p><p class="caption">A Kashmiri woman walks through an empty street during restrictions in Srinagar, Kashmir, on September 20, 2019.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>India announced plans to separate Jammu and Kashmir state and downgrade them to two territories directly controlled by New Delhi back in August, prompting widespread protests.</strong></li><li><strong>India also imposed a huge internet and phone blackout on the region. There are also multiple reports of violent protests and midnight raids, which the Indian government has denied.</strong></li><li><strong>Critics fear that Indian Hindus will now move into the mostly-Muslim region and alter its religious and ethnic makeup.</strong></li><li><strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</strong></li></ul><p>India has officially eliminated the flag and constitution of the disputed state of Jammu and Kashmir as the total internet blackout on Kashmir goes into its 13th week.</p><p>The Indian government formally passed legislation on Thursday to remove the region's semi-autonomous status, which involves eliminating its own flag and constitution.</p><p>The legislation also divided Jammu and Kashmir state and downgraded them into two federally-governed territories under New Delhi's direct control. India said earlier this year that the states would eventually be able to hold their own elections.</p><p>Indian authorities on Thursday changed the name of the state-run radio station, Radio Kashmir Srinagar, to All India Radio Srinagar, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/no-kashmiri-flag-constitution-under-indian-imposed-changes-2019-10">the Associated Press (AP) reported</a>. Srinagar is the largest city in Kashmir.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Dar Yasin/AP</span></p><p class="caption">The Indian national flag flying next to a Jammu and Kashmir state flag on a government building in Srinagar on August 9, 2019.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>India announced the removal of Jammu and Kashmir's semi-autonomous status, which was enshrined in the country's 72-year-old constitution, in early August.</p><p>The announcement was coupled with a total communications blackout in Jammu and Kashmir, with internet and phone lines cut off, as well as a massive troop increase, severe curfews, and detentions. The region was already the most highly-militarized area in the world.</p><p>Since then, thousands of Kashmiris have protested and violently clashed with Indian security forces, with journalists and researchers reporting citizens being <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kashmir-villagers-allege-beatings-abuse-electric-shock-india-denies-2019-8">tortured</a>, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kashmir-man-blinded-pellets-police-insist-no-major-injuries-2019-8">shot by police pellets</a>, and even <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kashmir-forces-detaining-kids-molesting-girls-amid-blackout-report-2019-8">molested in midnight raids</a>.</p><p>The Indian government has denied all these reports. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kashmir-crisis-india-accuses-media-fake-news-using-trump-playbook-2019-9">It has also accused the media of fabricating news in Kashmir.</a></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-49481180">BBC</a></span></p><p class="caption">Stills from a BBC video, published in August, of two Kashmiri brothers showing injuries from what they said were beatings by Indian army officers.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>Authorities have lifted some roadblocks and restored some phone lines in the region since August, the AP reported. Internet in Jammu has also returned, but the 12.5 million people living in Kashmir remain totally offline.</p><p>The Indian government <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/countries-internet-shutdown-statistics-2019-6">cut off Kashmir's internet 134 times last year</a> in an attempt to prevent anti-government protests.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Dar Yasin/AP</span></p><p class="caption">A protest on the outskirts of Srinagar on August 23, 2019. The sign says: "We dream of an independent Kashmir."</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>Before India revoked Jammu and Kashmir's semi-autonomous status, people in the mostly-Muslim state lived politically insular lives.</p><p>Under that special status, people from outside Jammu and Kashmir were not allowed to run for political office or buy property in the region, and daughters lost their land inheritance if they married people from outside the state.</p><p>Critics now fear that Indian Hindus will be able to move into Kashmir and alter its ethnic and religious makeup. Most people in the region either want independence or to be ruled by Pakistan.</p><p>India's Supreme Court is scheduled to begin hearings in early November on challenges to the constitutional change, the AP said. A decision will likely to take months.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><p class="source"><span>Google Maps</span></p><p class="caption">A map showing Kashmir and the countries that control it.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>India and Pakistan, both nuclear-armed states, both claim Kashmir in its entirety but rule other parts of the region.</p><p>Pakistan, which has previously funded insurgencies in the region, cut off all trade with India over the current crisis. He has also likened Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's actions in Kashmir to Nazi ideology.</p><p>China, which also rules part of the region, has opposed India's move.</p><p><a href="https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/web/wjdt_674879/fyrbt_674889/t1712346.shtml">In a Wednesday press conference</a>, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang called the demotion of Jammu and Kashmir state to India-controlled territories "illegal and ineffective."</p><p>India's Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday told China to stay out of its internal affairs, saying that it should "respect India's sovereignty and territorial integrity," <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/government-hits-back-at-china-for-calling-jammu-and-kashmir-move-unlawful-says-it-shouldnt-comment-o-2125263?pfrom=home-topscroll">NDTV reported</a>.</p><ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kashmir-crisis-india-accuses-media-fake-news-using-trump-playbook-2019-9" data-read-more-link="" data-e2e-name="read-more-link">India is replaying Trump's favorite strategy by accusing the media of fake news in Kashmir, where it cut off the internet and tried to silence journalists</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pakistan-india-threat-war-kashmir-2019-9" data-read-more-link="" data-e2e-name="read-more-link">Pakistan issued its most explicit threat of war against India yet as the 2 nuclear powers clash over Kashmir</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-pakistan-nuclear-war-death-famine-2019-10" data-read-more-link="" data-e2e-name="read-more-link">If India and Pakistan have a nuclear war, scientists say it could trigger Ice-Age temperatures, cause global famine, and kill 125 million people</a></li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/kashmir-man-blinded-pellets-police-insist-no-major-injuries-2019-8" data-read-more-link="" data-e2e-name="read-more-link">A man in Kashmir says he was blinded in one eye after being shot by police pellets. Police insist there have been 'no major injuries.'</a></li></ul>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/marine-corps-boot-camp-military-basic-training-parris-island-2019-10">We went inside the US Marine Corps' 13-week boot camp where recruits endure extreme physical and psychological tests</a></h3>        <div>                    </div>    </div>

India officially eliminated Kashmir's flag and constitution as its internet blackout goes into 13th week

<p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"></div></div></div><ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>India on Monday revoked part of its constitution that established the quasi-independence of Kashmir, a disputed region between India and Pakistan.</strong></li><li><strong>The articles had allowed Kashmir to make its own laws, and banned non-Kashmiris from moving there or working for its government.</strong></li><li><strong><strong>The state will now be directly under the control of India's federal government in New Delhi.</strong><strong>&#xa0;</strong></strong></li><li><strong>Over the weekend Indian authorities sent thousands of troops into the already heavily-militarized region, and told tourists to get out.</strong></li><li><strong>India also shut down the internet and put local political figures under house arrest.</strong></li><li><strong><strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</strong></strong></li></ul><p>India has shut off the internet, placed politicians under house arrest, and ordered tourists to leave the disputed region of Kashmir after it annulled part of its constitution that gave the region a large degree of independence from the rest of the country.</p><p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government on Monday <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/amit-shah-says-article-35a-and-article-370-giving-kashmir-special-status-will-be-annulled-in-rajya-sabha/articleshow/70530969.cms">revoked Articles 35a and 370 of its constitution</a>, which gave the state of Jammu and Kashmir a "special" status that allowed it to make its own laws.</p><p>The state will now be reorganized into two territories - Jammu and Kashmir being one, and Ladakh being the other. The regions will be governed by the Indian federal authorities in New Delhi as opposed to individual state governors.</p><p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"></div></div></div><h2>History of the powder-keg region</h2><p>Jammu and Kashmir's quasi-independence dates back to 1927, when the region's administration allowed its subjects to have a separate set of rules for inheriting property.</p><p>After India and Pakistan separated in 1947, the maharajah of Jammu and Kashmir chose to become part of India, with Article 370 of the Indian Constitution preserving its "special status." This angered Pakistan, which supported many insurgencies in the region.</p><p>Pakistan continues to claim Jammu and Kashmir as its own territory.</p><p>The constitutional provision also blocked Indians from outside the region from living there, owning property, or getting government jobs. It also prohibits women from inheriting property if they marry someone from outside the state.</p><p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"></div></div></div><p>Modi's right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) argue that constitutional provisions regarding Jammu and Kashmir's "special status" are temporary, and has long vowed to revoke them.</p><p>During general elections this May, the BJP said the "special status" was "discriminatory against non-permanent residents and women of Kashmir."</p><p>It added: "We believe that Article 35A is an obstacle in the development of the state."</p><p>The BJP won those elections by a landslide, increasing its seats in parliament.</p><p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"></div></div></div><p>Jammu and Kashmir are currently split between India, Pakistan, and China. The area remains heavily contested between India and Pakistan.</p><p>Many of the region's residents, who are mostly Muslim, hope for independence or to be ruled by Pakistan, <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10537286">the BBC reported</a>. It is one of the most heavily-militarized areas in the world.</p><p>The longstanding tensions over Kashmir reignited in February after a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-warns-pakistan-after-a-deadly-suicide-attack-in-kashmir-2019-2">suicide attack</a> killed 44 Indian paramilitary police in the Indian-controlled side of the region.</p><p><em><strong>Read more:</strong> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/border-between-india-and-pakistan-2019-7">Here's what life is like on the border between India and Pakistan, one of the world's most disputed regions</a></em></p><h2><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"></div></div></div></h2><h2>Troops move in as tourists stream out</h2><p>India has moved thousands of troops into Kashmir and placed heavy restrictions on the daily life of its 7 million resident since Friday, citing an impending terror threat.</p><p>Indian Army officials said Pakistan-based militants were planning an attack on the approximately 300,000 Hindus who were in the region for an annual pilgrimage, <a href="https://apnews.com/1c480fe901134845b12940d4921b4ad8/gallery/1941a5206df2408eb5b87c21912581f1">The Associated Press</a> (AP) and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/05/world/asia/kashmir-crackdown-india-pakistan.html">The New York Times</a> reported.</p><p>Thousands of tourists and students have been fleeing the region per government orders, the AP reported.</p><p>But many Kashmiris doubted the claims of an impending terror attack and wondered if there were other reasons for the sudden troop increase in the region.</p><p>The Indian army also fired along the Line of Control - which divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan on Sunday - and wounded one woman, the AP reported, citing Pakistani police.</p><p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"></div></div></div><p>Indian authorities in the region also shut off the internet and cut landlines in many households over the weekend.</p><p>Blocking communications is a common strategy to prevent people from organizing anti-India demonstration and to stop the spreading of news that may be unsavory to the government, <a href="https://www.apnews.com/a80782938fad458ba7d29643fe648843">according to the AP</a>.</p><p>Some people were able to bypass the internet ban, however. The Indian state-owned BSNL telcom provider <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/news/journalists-in-kashmir-get-satellite-phones-after-internet-and-mobile-are-shut-down/articleshow/70530054.cms">sold satellite phones to journalists</a>&#xa0;on the ground for 100,000 rupees ($1,419) apiece so they could continue reporting.</p><p>Indian officials also placed top regional leaders, including former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, under house arrest amid the mounting tensions.</p><p>"Today marks the darkest day in Indian democracy," Mufti <a href="https://twitter.com/MehboobaMufti/status/1158257894149615616">tweeted</a> shortly after India scrapped the constitutional provisions for Jammu and Kashmir's independence.</p><p>"The manner in which they [Indian officials] want to bulldoze our special identity is illegal &amp; makes India an occupational force," she later <a href="https://twitter.com/MehboobaMufti/status/1158291712243933184">said</a>.</p><p></p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image"></div></div></div><h2>Will Trump play a part?</h2><p>US President Donald Trump offered to mediate the Kashmir dispute between Pakistan and India last week in a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan two weeks ago.</p><p>Khan appeared to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/imran-khan-is-asking-donald-trump-to-intervene-as-promised/articleshow/70529731.cms">take up Trump's offer</a> on Sunday after Indian troops moved into the region, <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1157963122981920768">warning in a tweet</a>: "This has the potential to blow up into a regional crisis."</p><p><em><strong>Read more:</strong> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-negotiate-in-kashmir-pakistan-india-2019-7">Trump's casual offer to mediate the Kashmir dispute reveals a disastrous misunderstanding of the powder-keg region</a></em></p><p>Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Monday said that India's annulment of the two articles violates UN Security Council resolutions, <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/pakistan-jammu-kashmir-article-370-1577420-2019-08-05">India Today reported</a>.</p><div></div>

India shut off the internet and ordered tourists to leave the hotly contested Kashmir region, in a risky bid to end its quasi-independence

<ul><li><strong>There are several internet shutdowns in India each year.</strong></li><li><strong>India reported over 630 internet shutdowns in the last 10 years.</strong></li><li><strong>There have been 400 instances of internet shutdowns in Jammu and <keyword id="6354495" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="kashmir" source="Orion">Kashmir</keyword> in the last 10 years.</strong></li></ul>Internet shutdowns are a huge issue, especially when so many people depend upon the internet for work, education, entertainment and more. India has topped the <a href="https://www.accessnow.org/internet-shutdowns-2021/">list</a> of most instances of internet shutdowns in a country for four years now.<br /><br />Jammu and Kashmir, which is now a union territory has seen the <keyword id="13967833" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="most-internet-shutdowns" source="Orion">most internet shutdowns</keyword> in the country, majorly due to unrest and security reasons. SFLC, an organisation that tracks internet shutdowns in the country and informs the people about instances of internet shutdowns and the reason given by the government.<br /><br />In this post, we look at the states and union territories in India that have seen the most internet shutdowns in the last 10 years.<br /><br /><table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#000000;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">State / UT<br /><br /></td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#000000;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Internet shutdowns in the last 10 years<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Jammu and Kashmir<br /><br /></td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">400<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Rajasthan<br /><br /></td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">84<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Uttar Pradesh<br /><br /></td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">30<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Haryana<br /><br /></td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">17<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">West Bengal<br /><br /></td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">13<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Maharashtra<br /><br /></td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">12<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Gujarat<br /><br /></td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">11<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Bihar<br /><br /></td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">11<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Meghalaya<br /><br /></td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">7<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Arunachal Pradesh<br /><br /></td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5.75pt 0pt 5.75pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">7<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><strong>SEE ALSO:<br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/list-of-countries-that-saw-most-internet-shutdowns-in-2021-india-tops-with-more-shutdowns-than-all-countries-combined/slidelist/91185327.cms">List of countries that saw most internet shutdowns in 2021</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/internet-censorship-cost-the-global-economy-5-5-billion-in-2021-report-says/articleshow/88775422.cms">Internet censorship cost the global economy $5.5 billion in 2021, report says</a><br /><br /></strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/india-suffered-longest-internet-shutdowns-in-2020-globally-for-the-second-consecutive-year/articleshow/80130268.cms"><strong>India suffered longest internet shutdowns in 2020 globally for the second consecutive year</strong></a><br />

Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh saw most Internet shutdowns after Jammu and Kashmir in the last 10 years

<br /><ul><li><strong><keyword id="6355521" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="amit-shah">Amit Shah</keyword>’s deputies in MHA, G Kishan Reddy and <keyword id="6383456" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="nityanand-rai">Nityanand Rai</keyword>, assigned all 21 divisions.</strong></li></ul><ul><li><strong>In a first time ever, <keyword id="17605" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jammu-and-kashmir">Jammu and Kashmir</keyword> and northeast divisions will be headed by one minister of state.</strong></li></ul><ul><li><strong>Intelligence Bureau to report directly to Amit Shah.</strong></li></ul><ul><li><strong>Shah will also cater to decisioning about Cabinet matters and President’s house.</strong></li></ul>New Union home minister Amit Shah on Tuesday, 17 June, 2019, assigned all the 21 divisions of his ministry, to two of his deputies - ministers of state G Kishan Reddy and Nityanand Rai. The reporting of Intelligence Bureau is to remain with Shah, <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/amit-shah-empowers-his-ministers-of-state/articleshow/69867231.cms">according to reports</a>.<br /><br />The Jammu and Kashmir division was headed by Hansraj Ahir and northeast division was headed by <keyword id="638723" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kiren-Rijiju">Kiren Rijiju</keyword>, Shah’s predecessor <keyword id="6355121" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajnath-Singh">Rajnath Singh</keyword>.<br /><br />The key divisions of Jammu and Kashmir, the northeast, Union Territory, cyber security and counter-radicalisation, are assigned to G Kishan Reddy, while centre-state division, Police-I (that looks after transfer postings of IPS officers), foreigners divisions among others are assigned to Nityanand Rai.<br /><br />Shah will look after all decisions involving Cabinet matters and President’s house, besides IB. AS officials told <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/amit-shah-empowers-his-ministers-of-state/articleshow/69867231.cms">Economic Times</a>.<br /><br />Reportedly, Shah has also tasked the two deputies with taking presentation from every division at the home ministry for better sync in their functioning. The home minister also reviewed details regarding the functioning of the MHA on the first day of taking charge at the North Block.<br /><br />In a first time ever, both the northeast and Jammu and Kashmir divisions have been allocated to the same minister of state.<br /><br />G Kishan Reddy is a three-time MLA and is a first-term MP from Secunderabad Lok Sabha constituency in Telangana.<br /><br />Nityanand Rai, who won from the Ujiarpur constituency in Bihar, has also been assigned incharge of women safety division, that was created last year following the Kathua rape case.<br /><br />Rai will also head the Left-wing extremism (LWE) division, that looks at anti-Maoist operations, besides disaster management and police modernisation division, as reported by officials.<br /><br />There are 24 ministers of state in the present council of ministers and six other ministers of state with independent charge.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

India's new home minister entrusts just 2 people with several divisions

<ul><li><strong>A Reuters Correspondent Devjyot Ghoshal said, "The situation is NOT normal in Kashmir" following a series of tweets on July 13. <br /></strong></li><li><strong>People in <keyword id="41568" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Srinagar">Srinagar</keyword>, <keyword id="17605" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jammu-and-kashmir">Jammu and Kashmir</keyword>'s Capital had to beg the military personnel to go out of the region, reported New York Times<br /></strong></li></ul>It's been nine days since the Indian government revoked section 370 and 35A that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, triggering protests. And, there is no change in the status of communications <a href="https://in.reuters.com/article/india-kashmir-srinagar/authorities-lock-down-srinagar-on-eid-holiday-idINKCN1V3069">blackout and curfew</a>. <br /><br />A Reuters Correspondent Devjyot Ghoshal said, "The situation is NOT normal in Kashmir" following a series of tweets on July 13. <br /><br /><div type="twitter" handle="DevjyotGhoshal" handlename="Devjyot Ghoshal" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/926902749505011712/o_869QAS_normal.jpg" favoritecount="11928" retweetcount="8207" status="#Thread   I wasn't inclined to tweet about #Kashmir, but after seeing the amount of disinformation, I am going to.… https://t.co/qyB4uWgHlX" createdat="1565706798000" id="1161284598397116417"></div>
<br />The Supreme Court of India said that the government needs more time to restore normal life in Kashmir during a hearing of a petition seeking to lift ban on communication services, <a href="https://in.reuters.com/article/india-kashmir/india-needs-time-to-restore-order-in-kashmir-supreme-court-judge-idINKCN1V315G">reported </a>Reuters. <br /><br />The Indian government official earlier <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india-accused-the-bbc-and-reuters-of-lying-about-large-scale-protests-in-kashmir-even-though-they-were-recorded-on-video/articleshow/70646527.cms">claimed that the situation is ‘normalising’ in Kashmir.</a> But, a few media agencies say otherwise. <br /><br /><div type="twitter" handle="DevjyotGhoshal" handlename="Devjyot Ghoshal" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/926902749505011712/o_869QAS_normal.jpg" favoritecount="793" retweetcount="416" status="Srinagar’s fire dept could only radio 21 fire stations. People couldn't reach them, except for actually turning up… https://t.co/dTXvN0b50b" createdat="1565708947000" id="1161293612400775169"></div>

<br />The same day, the Ministry of Home Affairs spokesperson Vasudha Gupta tweeted saying, “The restrictions in Jammu &amp; Kashmir are being eased out in a phased manner in the Valley and the situation in the Jammu division has been restored after assessment by relevant local authorities.” <br /><br />The local police too assured that the situation is under control. They<a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/restrictions-to-continue-in-kashmir-for-sometime-top-cop/story-ILPJtNUqA7bCuh4nrGmuUN.html"> said, </a>“There have been only a few pellet injuries that have been treated.” <br /><br />“This is obviously a sensitive week, we have a major festival today, we have our independence day on August 15,”<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-08-11/indian-kashmir-in-lock-down-as-communication-links-remain-cutoff"> said</a> Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale assuring that the situation will ease when the law and order improves. <br /><br /><div type="twitter" handle="DevjyotGhoshal" handlename="Devjyot Ghoshal" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/926902749505011712/o_869QAS_normal.jpg" favoritecount="1082" retweetcount="605" status="Today is/was the ninth day that Kashmir is locked down, under an information blackout.   The next few days at criti… https://t.co/7tLEh5GIRU" createdat="1565710352000" id="1161299504437460992"></div>
<br />However, Muslim majority Kashmir is angry and furious. <br /><br />They were reportedly unable to celebrate Eid because the local authorities backed by thousands of paramilitary forces were keeping tight security, <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3022355/military-lockdown-hampers-eid-kashmir-cash-and-sheep-slaughter">reported </a>South China Morning Post. <br /><br />The Indian government <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/The-phone-and-internet-blackout-in-Kashmir-is-so-total-that-locals-reportedly-dont-know-India-rewrote-their-constitution/articleshow/70587309.cms">blocked all the telephone lines</a>, internet and television networks on August 5, just before they abolished the section. Telephone services were restored in Jammu today. However, the government is yet to restore the services in Kashmir. <br /><br /><div type="twitter" handle="kavita_krishnan" handlename="Kavita Krishnan" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/991784077463257088/H6uf_pMu_normal.jpg" favoritecount="529" retweetcount="285" status="A solidarity team - Jean Drèze, economist, @kavita_krishnan of AIPWA, @MaimoonaMollah of AIDWA &amp; @vimalbhai11 of… https://t.co/ffUoHxboq8" createdat="1565696919000" id="1161243162922274821"></div>
<br /><keyword id="1046469" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kavita-Krishnan">Kavita Krishnan</keyword>, Secretary of the All India Progressive Women's Association, claims that the situation is not what most media is claiming to be.<br /><br />The Indian government <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india-accused-the-bbc-and-reuters-of-lying-about-large-scale-protests-in-kashmir-even-though-they-were-recorded-on-video/articleshow/70646527.cms">accused top news agencies</a> -- Reuters, BBC -- for reporting news which is "completely fabricated and incorrect". <br /><br />According to BBC, the Indian government used tear gas to tackle a massive crowd protesting against its decision. It also said that the government denied it ever happened. <br /><br />People in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir's Capital had to beg the military personnel to go out of the region, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/10/world/asia/kashmir-india-pakistan.html">reported New York Times</a>. People were reportedly struggling to buy essential groceries like milk, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/10/world/asia/kashmir-india-pakistan.html">the report said. </a><br /><br />See also: <br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india-accused-the-bbc-and-reuters-of-lying-about-large-scale-protests-in-kashmir-even-though-they-were-recorded-on-video/articleshow/70646527.cms">India accused the BBC and Reuters of lying about large-scale protests in Kashmir, even though they were recorded on video</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/The-phone-and-internet-blackout-in-Kashmir-is-so-total-that-locals-reportedly-dont-know-India-rewrote-their-constitution/articleshow/70587309.cms">The phone and internet blackout in Kashmir is so total that locals reportedly don't know India rewrote their constitution</a><br />

You Searched For "jammu and kashmir 4G internet" and got 8 results

Lockdown: Global rights groups demand restoration of 4G services in J&K

PTI

Internet access in Jammu and Kashmir isn’t about the ‘right to freedom’ — it’s about the ‘right to life’, according to lawyers

Prabhjote Gill

It’s been 5 days since Article 370 was scrapped but Kashmiris continue to live in the dark

Sanchita Dash

India officially eliminated Kashmir's flag and constitution as its internet blackout goes into 13th week

Alexandra Ma

India shut off the internet and ordered tourists to leave the hotly contested Kashmir region, in a risky bid to end its quasi-independence

Alexandra Ma

Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh saw most Internet shutdowns after Jammu and Kashmir in the last 10 years

Sourabh Jain

India's new home minister entrusts just 2 people with several divisions

BI India Bureau

A spine-chilling account of the situation in Kashmir has gone viral-- and here's how it stacks up against the government narrative

Preeti Soni

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