New Delhi (NVI): The Central Government today justified continued restrictions on Internet in Jammu and Kashmir citing saying that the “Internet jehadis” can successfully use this medium to spread hatred and foment illegal activities to create law and order situation.
“Blocking Internet is justified to prevent terror acts on the dark web. WhatsApp, telegram apps can be used to spread messages, it becomes an endless job,” Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told Supreme Court while appearing for the Central Government, reports said.
While justifying the restrictions on Internet, he said that the spread of Jihad nowadays takes place on the internet. “Unfortunately, internet jihadi is a successful one. It is a global phenomenon. The jihadi leaders can engage through internet to spread hatred and illegal activities.”
The Supreme Court today resumed the hearing on a batch of petitions relate to restrictions imposed on the press and communications and other restrictions after the abrogation of special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370.
Mehta was replying on the question of the Supreme Court can that people there (in Jammu and Kashmir) access internet, and since when? Solicitor General said Since August 7, they can visit Internet centres after getting passes.
The petitions were filed by Kashmir Times Editor, Anuradha Bhasin and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad challenging the restrictions imposed in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh after the abrogation of Article 370 was announced by the Union on August 5.
“The purpose of the government is to stop law and order problems gets defeated. Newspapers are different from the internet, newspapers are one-sided communication,” Solicitor General Tushar Mehta added.
He said no individual movement in Jammu and Kashmir was restricted. Public movement and gatherings were restricted to avoid any untoward situation.
“We have taken least restrictive measures keeping in view inconvenience it may cause to people. And people who have to participate in a funeral procession or anything like that have to take prior permission from concerned authorities,” he added.
-sb
