Jammu and Kashmir admin restores 4G internet across UT; impact of relaxations to be 'closely monitored'

Jammu: High speed mobile internet was on Friday restored in the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, exactly one and a half years after it was snapped in August 2019 when the Centre had abrogated the special status of the erstwhile state. The Raj Bhavan’s official twitter handle of LG Manoj Sinha thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for “acceding to our request and restoring 4G services in the entire Jammu and Kashmir UT. The committee held a meeting on 4 February, during which “among other things, it took note of the inputs and apprehensions of the security agencies and police forces as also the assessment of opening of high speed mobile internet connectivity…” “Now, therefore, keeping in view the advice of the special committee, I, Principal Secretary to the government, hereby revoke the restrictions on mobile data services and fixed line internet connectivity….” However, the order made it clear that high speed internet facility on pre-paid SIM card holders will be provided “only after verification as per the norms applicable for post-paid connections.” The announcement about restoration of high-speed mobile internet came earlier this evening from Jammu and Kashmir administration spokesperson and Principal Secretary Rohit Kansal who said on his twitter, “4G mobile internet services being restored in entire JK.” 4G mobile internet services being restored in entire J&K @diprjk — Rohit Kansal February 5, 2021 The restriction on mobile internet services across the Union Territory, except Ganderbal and Udhampur districts, were till 6 February. The apex court is also hearing a plea by an NGO seeking initiation of contempt proceedings against the Union Home Secretary and the Chief Secretary of JK for their alleged “wilful disobedience” in complying with the court’s 11 May order which had directed for constituting a committee that would go into the possibilities of restoring high-speed internet in the union territory.