Internet banned in J&K for two days fearing communal tension during Bakrid

Srinagar, Sep 25: Jammu and Kashmir will have to celebrate Eid-ul Zuha festival without Internet services, with the state government ordering termination of data services from Friday morning till Saturday night, as it apprehends misuse by anti-social elements to create communal tension.

The directive by police to all service providers, on the eve of Eid, comes amidst the controversy over beef ban.

In the order, Inspector General of Police (Kashmir) SJM Gillani directed the service providers to snap all data services from 5 AM Friday till 10 PM on Saturday.

"In view of the apprehension of misuse of data services (GPRS/2G/3G) by anti-national elements, which is likely to cause deterioration in law and order situation, you are requested to completely snap down the data services through GPRS/2G/3G and broadband in Kashmir Valley starting from 5 AM of September 25 till 10 PM of September 26".

Similar directive was conveyed to service operators in Jammu region. The ban has been imposed on Internet so that no videos are uploaded or social networking sites are accessible.

The government has asked to service providers to ensure that the bandwidth of Internet is reduced to the bare minimum.

The measure has been taken because of the fear of communal tension in the backdrop of the High Court directive for implementation of an old law that bans slaughter and selling of beef. Some separatist groups have said they will defy the court order.

The administration fears that some mischievous elements would defy the recent court order directing the government to enforce the ban on slaughter of bovines and sale of beef and, as a mark of protest and would post the pictures on social media, creating communal tensions.

PTI