India extends ban on 4G internet in IOK till April 3

By News Desk

ISLAMABAD: Indian authorities have extended the ban on 4G internet across Indian-occupied Kashmir until April 3, despite growing international calls to restore the service in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the Kashmir Media Service, an order to this effect was issued by Home Department Principal Secretary Shaleen Kabra on Friday. It said after taking note of the overall situation in the territory and the latest reports from law enforcement agencies, particularly with regard to speed-related restrictions on mobile data services, the internet speed shall be restricted to 2G only up to April 3. Furthermore, it said internet would not be available on prepaid mobile phone connections.

The Narendra Modi-led Indian government had suspended the internet and mobile phone services in occupied Kashmir on August 5 last year when it revoked the disputed territory’s special status and placed it under lockdown.

The Indian government claims that landline phones and 2G internet services have been restored in the occupied territory but residents — who mostly use prepaid connections — continue to remain deprived of vital access in the wake of the virus pandemic.

Hurriyat organisations and several political parties, including National Conference, Communist Party of India (Marxist), and the Congress have called for the restoration of 4G in the occupied territory.