In the light of the important constitutional changes that were made in relation to Jammu & Kashmir in August 2019, a number of restrictions were imposed in Jammu and Kashmir in order to prevent externally aided terrorists from disturbing peace and inflicting casualties on innocent citizens.
Since 16th August, there has been a gradual, consistent and progressive removal of restrictions and most restrictions now stand removed. Landline and mobile telephones, SMS services have been made fully functional. Fixed line broadband facility exists in Jammu Division while in the Kashmir Division, to facilitate the general public, students, etc., 844 e-terminals have been established besides 69 special counters for tourists, apart from separate terminals for filling of GST returns and application forms for various examinations. Also, among others, a number of Government departments including those related to essential services and Government hospitals have also been provided access to broadband internet.
It is well established that sustained efforts are being made by terrorists to infiltrate from across the border, reactivate their cadres and scale up anti national activities not only in the Kashmir Division but some areas of Jammu Division by using Voice on Internet Protocol (VOIP) and encrypted mobile communications and through various social media applications to coordinate and plan terrorist activities.
After carefully considering all aspects of the matter and taking into account the law and order situation, potential threats to security, the competent authority has decided that all institutions providing essential services such as hospitals, banks, government offices etc. and trade and tourism and travel establishments shall be provided broadband facilities in Kashmir Division. Existing access and communication facilities in Kashmir shall be further enhanced by establishing additional 400 internet kiosks through the divisional administration. In addition, 2G mobile connectivity on postpaid mobiles for accessing white listed websites such as e-banking shall be allowed in the districts of Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur & Reasi. There shall be complete restriction on social media applications. The full details of the facilitations as well as safeguards have already been outlined in the government order issued by the competent authority yesterday.
It is reiterated that the endeavor of the Government has been and shall remain to facilitate as much and as quickly as possible. The overall efforts of the Government have been not only to ease restrictions effectively and quickly but also to keep the restrictions to bare minimum, based on the ground situation and to provide people adequate facilitation wherever required. It is further clarified that all actions have been and shall continue to be in compliance of the order dated 10.01.2020 passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Anuradha Bhasin Vs Union of India and others.
