MHA calls for high-level security meet ahead of Internet restoration in J&K

Central government committed to open the broadband services in a phase-wise manner, but concerns loom large over mobile internet connectivity

New Delhi: With Supreme Court, last week, terming the internet shutdown in Jammu and Kashmir as impermissible, Home Minister Amit Shah has reportedly called for a meeting with top security officials to review the restrictions. The center had imposed a communications lockdown in August 2019, as it aimed to control unrest after abrogating Article 370 of the Constitution.

According to senior officials in the Home Ministry, Shah has called for a meeting with the top-rung administrative officials in Jammu and Kashmir to review security situations among other vital issues in the region. This will be the second meeting called by Shah, who has already been briefed on the internal security situation of the valley, on 11 January.

“The Home Ministry is keen on the feedback from the top security officials on the current situation. The meeting will analyze the feedback from all the top officials and the likely impact of restoring the internet services across Jammu and Kashmir. This meeting is part of the preparations in response to the decision of the apex court asking the administration to review its ban on the internet within a week’s time,” said the official, adding that a report of the meeting could be then presented to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Also Read: Governments across the World Suspended Internet for Over 18,000 Hours in 2019

Defending the government’s stance, the official said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government is not against restoring internet services. “However, the administration is committed to opening the communications in a phase-wise manner with much caution,” the official said.

Broadband Restored, Risk Over Mobile

Meanwhile, state government sources from the valley claimed that broadband services have been restored to hospitals in the region. In the coming days, the state administration is also set to open broadband and leased line services in the selected parts of Kashmir.

“However, the issue is over mobile internet facility, which continues to vex the state and security officials,” a senior police officer from Kashmir said.

According to the officer, the ban on internet services, especially mobile, took a hit on the local militant outfits. Due to the unavailability of mobile internet service, such outfits were unable to create narratives on social media, including the circulation of propaganda videos, the creation of fake images as well connecting with their Pakistani handlers across the border.

“Thus, the ease of movement and mobilization of such outfits against the state was restricted. And, not allowing mass public dissent followed by gatherings,” the officer explained.