Mubashir Bukhari
Srinagar (NVI): Days after the Supreme Court directed the Jammu and Kashmir administration to review all restrictions in the Valley, the Union Territory is mulling to restore broadband internet services in a phased manner after January 26, a top government official here said today.
On January 10, the top court had asked the UT administration to review all curbs, including a ban on internet after the abolition of Article 370 in August last year.
According to the official, the J&K Home Department is preparing a report based on the feedback of various security intelligence agencies. The report will be then placed before the Supreme Court and J&K administration would recommend its restoration in a phased manner after January 26 in the valley.
Officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) would also review the report before it is sent to the Supreme Court.
“Lieutenant Governor Girish Chandra Murmu-led administration has received reports from officials of security agencies along with district administrations. Almost all have given their positive feedback about restoration of broadband internet in Kashmir. MHA would review the security situation in Kashmir and impact of restoring the internet services in the valley,” the official privy to the report said.
The broadband will be first restored in central Kashmir (Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal districts). This will be followed by north Kashmir (Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora districts) and then south Kashmir (Kulgam, Anantnag, Pulwama and Shopian districts).
The official, however, said the restoration of internet services to essential services would be restored before January 26. He noted that mobile internet won’t be restored for a time being. “Mobile internet is unlikely to be restored in Kashmir,” he said.
