The Supreme Court asked the Jammu and Kashmir administration to explain as under what circumstances former L-G of the UT had reportedly said that the 4G internet service could be restored.
High speed Internet in Jammu and Kashmir has been suspended since August 5, 2019 when the Centre announced revocation of its special status and bifurcation of the state into union territories of
Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.
The administration claimed the restrictions on high-speed internet haven’t adversely impacted the efforts of the government towards Covid-19 control, education and business activities.
The councillors say the border residents of Ladakh 'deeply respect and support the security parameters and subsequent action carried out by the government' but urged the government to restore the telecommunication services.
Ordering restoration of 2G internet services, Principal Secretary, Home Shaleen Kabra maintained that high-speed internet can be used by inimical elements to coordinate terror attacks or incite people by circulating propaganda material.
The submissions were made in response to a plea filed by Foundation for Media Professionals seeking restoration of 4G internet services in the union territory in view of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier, only access to white-listed sites was allowed after the services were restored for a week on January 25 and subsequently extended from time to time.
With 4,196 hours of internet blackouts that cost more than Rs 1,000 crore in 2019, India is the third worst-hit and economically affected country after Iraq and Sudan
