Srinagar
The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Wednesday removed restrictions from social media usage across the Union Territory, almost seven months after a communication clampdown on the eve of the Centre’s August 5 announcement to scrap the special status of the erstwhile state under Article 370 and its bifurcation.
“…hereby direct internet access across the UT of J&K with the following restrictions…the internet speed shall be restricted to 2G only, while the postpaid sim cardholders shall continue to be provided access to the internet, these services shall not be made available on pre-paid sim cards unless verified as per the norms applicable for post-paid connections,” read the order. It added that internet connectivity will continue to be available on fixed-line connections. The order will remain in force up to March 17, the notification issued by Principal Secretary Shaleen Kabra said.
Internet services, landline, and mobile phones were snapped across J&K on the eve of the Centre’s announcement last year to scrap the special status of the erstwhile state under Article 370 and its bifurcation into two Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh. From January, landlines, postpaid mobile services, and internet facilities to essential services like hospitals were restored in phases in Kashmir.
