Srinagar: Internet service of all cellular companies, including Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) Broadband, remained suspended for the second day today, badly affecting media persons and professionals besides students in the Kashmir valley.
The internet service was suspended since the intervening night of April 8 and April 9 in the valley, where eight people were killed and about 20 others injured in government forces action yesterday when polling was underway in Srinagar constituency.
More than 100 paramilitary forces and police personnel were also injured in the day-long clashes in the constituency, spread over three districts of Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal districts, consisting of15 Assembly segments.
To prevent spread of any rumours on social media during polling, authorities suspended internet in the entire valley.
However, suspension of the facility has led to spreading of more rumours, leading to more protests and clashes.
Interestingly, the broadband internet service of a private operated CNS, which is mostly used by media organisations, was also suspended, forcing media persons, working with national and international organizations, to file their stories about Kashmir situation over the phone.
Due to suspension of internet service, media organisation, including UNI and majority of national and international newspapers and other organizations, have been badly hit.
Ban on internet has also hit professionals and students, besides doctors. “I work for an international company as a freelancer and now that the internet is not working I will not be able to meet the deadlines set for my projects.
This is not the first time that it happened. In the unrest in 2016, internet was suspended for over five months during which I was forced to relocate to Delhi. I guess, I will have to move out permanently, if the government keeps suspended internet services,” a worried Irfan Saleem, who works for an MNC as a freelance, told UNI.
The gag on internet has been criticised by all sections of society, including politicians and academicians.
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