Srinagar, Jan 14: Decks have been cleared for the restoration of broadband internet services in Kashmir.
J&K administration is likely to restore broadband internet in a phased manner soon. Sources said the administration would submit a report in the Supreme Court expressing willingness to restore broadband services after Republic Day.
A top official said J&K Home Department’s is preparing a report based on feedback from various security and intelligence agencies. Officials from Ministry of Home Affairs would also review the report before it will be placed before the Apex Court.
“Lieutenant Governor Girish Chandra Murmu-led administration has received reports from officials of security agencies along with district administrations. Almost all have given their positive feedback about restoration of broadband internet in Kashmir. MHA would review the security situation in Kashmir and the impact of restoring internet services in the valley,” he said.
An official privy to compiling the report said Union Territory administration wants restoration of internet services in a phased manner starting from central Kashmir (Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal districts) followed by north Kashmir (Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora districts) and then south Kashmir (Kulgam, Anantnag, Pulwama and Shopian districts.
The official said the government will wait for Apex Court directives and accordingly restore internet as needed. “If Supreme Court orders restoration of internet before January 26 then we have to obey its directives and restore services immediately,” he said.
Officials are however wary about restored mobile net for a time being. “Mobile internet is unlikely to be restored in Kashmir soon,” he said.
J&K administration has decided to review of all the issues in the wake of the Apex Court’s directives. This has rekindled a ray of hope to Kashmir they may access the internet services after five months.
Last week, the Supreme Court said access to internet is a fundamental right under Article 19 of the Constitution and asked the J&K administration to review all orders imposing curbs in the new Union Territory.
A five bench judge headed by Justice N V Ramana asked J&K administration to restore internet services in institutions providing essential services like hospitals and educational places.
Internet services were snapped across Kashmir on August 5 when Centre abrogated Article 370 and downgraded Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories.
