As the internet facilitates almost every service online to subscribers, life demands continuous and uninterrupted access to the internet. Frequent Internet blocking often irks people in the valley. Snapping mobile internet services is the first step the government takes during tense situations and shutdowns. Officials say it is done to keep things under control, but it inhibits free flowing information and cuts us off from the world. In a world full of misinformation, the internet is needed to verify certain stories and snapping it just allows more lies to float the web. South Kashmir is the area most affected by it. It encounters a lot of shutdowns. Snapping internet hampers life in every dimension, be it e-banking, communication, registration for different services, examination preparation by students, booking tickets etc.
Everybody should have the right to access the internet and snapping services violates the basic rights of people. Ironically, on one hand high claims about digital India are being made, but on the other hand, the government is up in arms to de-digitalize Kashmir. On one hand, people are unable to access internet services for most of the days in a month, on the other hand, telecom companies loot subscribers by charging huge bills for the days during which the internet remains shut down.
Broadband services are kept open but not everyone has access to it.
Social media is a big tool to freely express ones views and stories. The freedom of expression is the fundamental right of every citizen but officials clamp down on people who speak against the established order.
Azad Hussain
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