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The Jammu and Kashmir administration is considering a measure to suspend mobile Internet connectivity for a few more days, although prepaid phones were restored on Friday night.
Authorities had connected mobile internet through Kashmir as an operation to catch Hizbul Mujahideen operational commander Riyaz Naikoo, who was up and running in Gulzapora Beighpora on Wednesday, and only broadband connectivity via landline phones was available in the region.
Police fear that the Naikoo assassination may trigger massive clashes such as those witnessed after the 2016 Burhan Wani assassination, and believe that it would be better for mobile Internet services to remain suspended longer.
Police officers, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they did not want to take any risks this time. “After Naikoo’s murder, there were clashes in some places. To prevent the spread of fighting in different parts of southern Kashmir, the Internet was cut off. It could be restored in a few days, “said a senior police officer.
People familiar with the events said the government had decided to restore mobile phone services on Friday night. However, a high-level meeting decided that mobile Internet connectivity would remain suspended until the 17th of the holy month of Ramzan (May 11). The day coincides with Badr, the first and decisive battle in the history of Islam when the first hundreds of followers of the religion faced their powerful opponents in Arabia and won, according to historical accounts.
There are also contributions from intelligence agencies that the militants could try to attack the premises of the security force on Badr’s day.
Intelligence agencies had issued warnings about attacks on this particular day. Last year there were also similar reports of possible attacks on Ramzan 17.
3G and 4G services have already been banned in Kashmir despite numerous calls from top political leaders, and only 2G services were restored, resulting in very slow internet connectivity.
Officials in Jammu and Kashmir argue that the restoration of 4G services could lead to anti-national activities and militancy.
Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Pandurang K Pole described the suspension of mobile Internet connectivity as a temporary measure, saying services would be restored very soon.
Police Chief Dilbag Singh told the Hindustan Times that after Naikoo’s murder, the Hizb had been left without a head and this was a setback for the group. “Now we have to see how long Pakistan will keep this group without a head,” he said.
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