IG Srinagar says the service may be misused by anti-state elements. STOCK IMAGE
The Indian government on Thursday ordered to close internet in the Kashmir valley for 40 hours during Eidul Azha.
In a notification issued on Thursday evening, the government asked telcos to shut down all kinds of internet in the valley including mobile SIM based data spectrums and broadband connectivity (which powers wireless WiFi internet).
“In view of the apprehension of misuse of data services (GPRS/2G/3G) by anti-national elements, which is likely to cause deteriorations in law and order situations,” explained a notification signed by Srinagar police chief S J M Gillani.
The notification asked service providers to shut down data services in the valley from 5 am on eid morning on Friday to 10pm on Saturday, September 26. The move comes as the ruling coalition remains divided over a controversial ban on beef in the valley, Times of India reported. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wants to strictly implement the ban, but its local coalition partner, the PDP, opposes it.
“No one can suppress religious freedom. If something is “halal” (allowed) in a religion, why should there be a ban on it? The Supreme Court, in its recent judgment, has also said that meat ban cannot be forced down people’s throat,” PDP leader Peer Mansoor said.
“There is no ban in other states like Uttar Pradesh. So why ban it here? People have the right to eat what their religion permits... Even our chief minister and party president can eat beef if they like to and if their health permits.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 25th, 2015.
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