Internet speeds are currently limited to 2G in most of Kashmir. (Proceedings)
New Delhi:
Internet restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir are in the interests of India’s sovereignty and integrity, the central government told parliament on Sunday, adding that the slow speeds are sufficient for digital education and public health services, especially critics amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“Internet services are already available in Kashmir on fixed line and also without speed restrictions, as well as 2G speed mobile data services are also operational from January 24, 2020. Access restrictions to networking sites social have also risen as of March “. The Minister of State for Home, GK Reddy, informed Lok Sabha in a written response.
“The speed of 2G mobile internet is not an impediment to Covid’s control measures, including the dissemination of information to the general public, as well as healthcare workers. E-learning applications and education websites and Government e-learning are accessible via the 2G Internet to download e-books and other study materials, “he said.
He also added that high-speed 4G mobile data services have started in the state’s Ganderbal and Udhampur districts, where the government imposed a crippling communications lockout last year, as it revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and divided it. in two union territories.
Mobile Internet services remain limited in most of Jammu and Kashmir at very slow speeds to stop the spread of misinformation and terrorists abusing networks, says the administration. The restrictions have cost hundreds of thousands of jobs and millions in losses to the economy, critics say.
In another response, the interior minister also said that although no leader is under house arrest in Jammu and Kashmir, 223 people are under “preventive detention”.
“There are currently no movement restrictions except security warnings to maintain the status of law and order and no one is under house arrest in JK for reasons unrelated to public health guidelines,” said Me Reddy.
According to the government, there are no restrictions on the movement of any individual, including protégés of the Popular Democratic Party or the PDP.
“Given law and order and the security situation of a particular area, it is imperative that protected persons give advance notice of their movements,” Mr. Reddy informed Lok Sabha.
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