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Jammu and Kashmir have been without fast internet services for a long time due to various security concerns. Security reasons include the existence of extremely strict laws and regulations in Kashmir. It is also a fact that many innocent civilians are suffering due to slow internet speed or 2G speed. These are innocent civilians unable to do business and online education due to the COVID-19 pandemic, among other things. Also, the Supreme Court has passed the petition for 4G internet service to be restored in Jammu and Kashmir. The petitioners have stated that they are concerned about the loss of business and online education.
What is the Kashmir 4G Controversy Case?
In May 2020, the Foundation for Media Professionals and the Jammu Kashmir Private School Association petitioned the Supreme Court, claiming that 2G services interfere with business operations and children’s online education. As a result, 4G internet services in Jammu and Kashmir should be rebuilt.
J&k became a Union territory on Oct 31, 2019. Due to various security concerns, this IT has been without high-speed internet services for a long time. These security reasons include the existence of “terrorist parts in the UT and their staff from across the boundaries, which provoke people through targeted messages and falsehoods, and mishandling the Internet to promote terror activities in the Union territory.”
People living in Kashmir face huge problems and are not even getting the necessities. These are innocent civilians who cannot conduct business and online education as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 11, 2020, the Foundation for Media Professionals, J&K Private School Association, and Shoaib Qureshi petitioned the Supreme Court to reintroduce 4G services in the Union territory. These petitioners have mentioned that they are worried about the loss of online education for children and businesses in the Union territory. This has destroyed the business and the online education there.
What was the Supreme Court decision on the writ petition?
The Chief Justice of India stated that the court understands that the Union Territory (Jammu and Kashmir) is in crisis. The court is also concerned about the Corona epidemic that has swept the country. However, the court must also balance national security and human rights. It should never happen that human rights endanger national security. Especially fake videos and photos will jeopardize UT security and law and order. On May 11, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition to revive high-speed internet in Jammu and Kashmir and directed the Centre to form a committee to review the valley’s ban on fast internet services.
Restoration of 4G Internet in J&K
After being suspended for nearly two years, 4G internet services were restored in Jammu and Kashmir on February 5, 2021. A special committee appointed by the Supreme Court of India has recommended that 4G internet services be restored in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). The committee believes that the threat perception on the security front in J&K remains high.
The internet could be restored in one district of each Jammu and Kashmir region that is not near an international border or a line of control and has a low level of terrorist activity. Telecom operators in districts where 4G services are permitted on a trial basis may also be required to submit reports on data usage volume and the most popular apps.
Impact of Lifting The 4G Ban
Encourage Commercial Activity: The resumption of 4G in J&K will benefit citizens engaged in commercial activities that rely on high-speed internet. For example, e-commerce, travel bookings, GST, and income tax returns.
Business and the online education: It will also allow students to access online classes while schools and colleges are closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. People will be able to work from home as a result of this.
Health: 4G services are required to allow the medical community, along with patients, to access the most up-to-date information, advisories, and guidelines.
Conclusion
Shutting down the internet has posed a serious threat to democracies worldwide. With the most internet shutdowns in 2019, India has been the most dangerous victim. The decision to declare a shutdown during a pandemic has harmed Jammu and Kashmir’s right to education and healthcare. When the Supreme Court heard the case, it ordered the formation of a committee to review the government’s decision to keep the internet shut down in Jammu and Kashmir. So finally, that special committee, appointed by the Supreme Court of India, has recommended that 4G internet services be restored in Jammu and Kashmir.
