Kashmir: The authorities lifted the ban on social media, and internet access was also restored. The development came seven months after the region was stripped of its partial autonomy.
Access to the internet came with conditions, and specific IP addresses will be able to access it. Mobile internet services will only be available on post-paid connections, pre-paid will not be able to access internet services.
Internet speeds are also restricted to 2G connections, while the 4G networks which are high speed will remain blocked.
The restoration of the internet will remain in effect till March 17, if not extended further.
The use of VPN became popular in Kashmir to circumvent the Indian government’s censorship. The authorities booked hundreds of VPN users in Kashmir.
Why was internet banned?
The ban on the internet was imposed in August, and the government said that it wants to prevent people from holding protests. It also noted that the move aimed to stop attacks by rebels, which are backed by Pakistan.
India and Pakistan have claimed the valley in its entirety since the British left the subcontinent. Social media was used to mobilize people and keep them informed about the local situation.
The Indian authorities have prevented any major incident by this move, and they think that it’s the way forward.
More:
- Kashmir Police Registers Cases Against People for Using VPN
- Kashmir, The Place Where Men are Raped: Special Report
Criticism by Digital Human Rights Activists
The activists criticized the internet restrictions and said that it is the violation of fundamental human rights, the government’s control over information restricts them to exercise their rights.
In January, officials lifted the ban on slow speed internet, and citizens could access government authorized websites. But the ban on social media was never raised.
People started using VPNs to use the banned social media sites, in a crackdown by authorities against the use of VPN; five people were arrested.
Many hailed the government’s decision, but some also showed concern that the authorities will now be able to track people through IP addresses. This way, they can easily suppress the voices against the state.
Meanwhile, Kashmir is also the highly militarized zone in the world, even before the August 5 move. Post-August, many reinforcements were sent to the region, and harsh curbs were imposed.
Longest Internet Shutdown
It has been more than seven months since the internet was banned, which makes it the longest internet shutdown in a democracy. The country faced criticism from European and US lawmakers, who consistently called of New-Delhi to curb restrictions.
The internet shutdown also affected the country’s economy. According to Region’s Chamber of Commerce, the clampdown on the internet cost 2.4 billion and a loss of 150,000 jobs.
Indian Supreme Court also took up the case in the review order. The court said that the restrictions could not be for an indefinite period, but it can be for a limited period and is subject to judicial review.
Internet shutdown a tool in India
The internet shutdown is the favorite tactic used by the Hindu-Nationalist government. During the current protest in the capital against the Citizenship Amendment Act, the internet and call services were banned.
According to the global digital rights group, the internet has been suspended 365 times; since BJP led by Narendra Modi came to power in 2014.
More than a third of internet bans were imposed in Kashmir. The UN said in 2017 that the ban on the internet is a form of collective punishment.
