Srinagar, 29 Jan 2020: High-speed mobile internet of all cellular companies and broadband remained suspended in Kashmir valley since August 5, 2019 when the government of India scrapped Article 370 -35A of Jammu and Kashmir. People, particularly media persons, professionals, students, and traders continued to suffer despite authorities resuming 2G mobile internet service after over 170 days on January 25.
Even though all cellular companies announced to resume 2G internet on pre and post paid mobile phone on January 25, the customers said that they could not even check their mails as the speed was very low.
”Since Monday morning, we are receiving messages that following instructions by the administration, internet service in your area has been temporarily suspended,” Airtel customers added. However, they said no site, including the white listed sites, could be opened.
There was also no progress on fixed line internet service which according to authorities was also resumed on January 25. The authority had announced allowing fixed line internet service limited to white listed sites in Jammu and Kashmir from January 25.
However, the customers have to give an undertaking before their fixed internet service is restored that they will not access any social media applications.
People, particularly media persons, doctors, students and other professionals continued to suffer as broadband and high-speed mobile internet service remained suspended since August 5,2019 when all communication networks were snapped in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
The government order had listed 300 white websites, including email service, banking website, education related websites, job platforms, entertainment, tour and travel and weather website. White listing of websites shall be continuous process.
Meanwhile, media persons and other professionals and students said that restoration of 2G mobile service has hardly helped them as they cannot have access to any site despite repeated attempts.
Media persons, who were the worst hit, have to go to the information department to file their stories.
A website India spend in a report quoting the estimate of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that since 5th August, 2019, a total of 144,500 people had lost their jobs in Kashmir’s tourism and handicrafts sector – mostly dependent on earnings from travelers. The report said that the overall job loss in the commercial space stood at 496,000. Reporter