Srinagar: Mobile internet services of all cellular companies, including Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, remained suspended for the second day today due to security reasons in Kashmir valley, badly affecting professionals, mediapersons and students.
However, broadband internet service of BSNL and point to point service of other providers were functioning normally though with very slow speed.
The services remained suspended in the wake of a strike call by separatists on 86th death anniversary of 22 martyrs, killed during Dogra rule outside the central Jail, Srinagar in 1931. The mobile internet was gagged as precautionary measure on Tuesday night in view of call for a online campaign, seeking ‘right to self determination’ by separatists, besides killing of three local Hizbul Mujahideen militants in an encounter with security forces in central Kashmir district of Budgam yesterday.
The authorities had directed all cellular companies to suspend 3G, 4G and 2G mobile internet services till further order in the Valley to prevent spread of any rumour on social media. However, suspension of the facility has badly hit professionals, media persons, students and others besides led to more rumours. During the last three months, mobile internet services have been suspended four times for about four weeks in the Valley. The mobile internet services for post-paid connections was suspended for about five months last year following violence triggered by the death of HM commander Burhan Wani on July 8 last year.
Similarly, mobile internet services for prepaid connections were restored in Kashmir on January 27, six months after they were suspended. The telecast of news on local cable channels in the Valley remained banned since 2010, when there were massive protest during which more than 120 people, mostly youths, were killed in security force and police firing in the Valley. The authorities had also directed bureaucrats and other officers not to participate in any political debate on local cable channels.
