Srinagar: Putting all speculations over the resumption of high speed internet to rest, the Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday extended ban on 4G internet services, barring two districts of the Union Territory, citing that the high voter turnout in recently concluded district development council (DDC) and Panchayat polls has not “gone well with the elements inimical to peace”.
In a fresh order issued on Friday, Principal Secretary Home Shaleen Kabra said that the successful conduct of the recently concluded Panchayat elections which witnessed participation by political parties across the spectrum and large scale turnout, has not “gone down well with elements inimical to public peace and tranquility”, as apparent from the multiple incidents of hurling of grenades by the militants since the conclusion of the elections, targeting the civilians, and government forces besides the encounters.
“Whereas, credible inputs have been received about the presence of a large number of militants “who are try to infiltrate from across the border, as also evident from multiple instances of heavy firing shelling on the IB/ LOC to facilitate the same,” the order reads.
It adds that the restrictions on high speed mobile internet connectivity have acted as an impediment to such attempts.
“Whereas, there have been incessant efforts by the anti-national elements (ANEs) to lure gullible youth to join militant ranks and the field agencies have underlined the need to continue suitable restrictions on high speed mobile internet connectivity to curb the unfettered use of social media in uploading/ downloading/circulating provocative videos, rumour mongering, fake news etc,” reads the order.
Subsequently, the government ordered extension in the ban on high speed internet in all but Ganderbal and Udhampur district till January 8, 2021. The order also asked IsGP, Kashmir/Jammu to communicate these directions to the service providers forthwith and ensure their implementation in letter and spirit.