Lok Sabha Question No. 1440 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-09-20
Subject: Internet Blockade in Kashmir
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Uttam Kumar Nalamada Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1440

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 20 TH  SEPTEMBER, 2020/BHADRAPADA 29, 1942 (SAKA)

INTERNET BLOCKADE IN KASHMIR

1440.      SHRI UTTAM KUMAR REDDY NALAMADA:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  reasons  due  to  which  the  Government  has  not  yet  completely  lifted  the internet blockade in Kashmir;
- (b)  the  date  by  which  the Government intends to restore unrestricted access to the internet in Kashmir considering the Supreme Court's ruling that an indefinite suspension of internet services is not permissible;
- (c) the details of restrictions imposed on internet access in Kashmir, including a list  of  whitelisted  sites,  types  of  internet  connectivity  that  have  been  restored, areas where access has and has not been allowed and internet speed restrictions; and
- (d)  the  estimated  economic  loss  caused  by  the  internet  blockade  since  it  was imposed and the impact on services like healthcare, education as well as access to justice for concerned domiciles?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

(a) and  (b):  Considering the over all security scenario and in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the Government of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir issues orders from time to time regulating telecom/internet services in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir in terms of the  applicable rules and the

## L.S.Q.No. 1440 FOR 20.09.2020

principles  laid  down  and  directions  contained  in  the  judgment  of  the  Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in the matter of Anuradha  Bhasin Vs Union of India & Ors.

The  internet  services are  already available  in  Kashmir on fixed line (without any  speed  related  restrictions)  as  well  as  Mobile  Data  services  (at  2G  speed) since 24.01.2020.  Restrictions on accessing social media sites were also lifted on 04.03.2020. Further, high speed mobile data services too have been commenced in  the  districts  of  Ganderbal (Kashmir Division)  and Udhampur (Jammu Division) with effect from 16.08.2020.

(c) Fixed line Internet connectivity is available without any speed  related restrictions, with Mac-binding.  The Mobile Data services are presently restricted to 2G speed in districts other than the two districts mentioned in (a) above. There is no restriction on accessing any sites, including the social media sites.

(d) The businesses have had access to internet through fixed line connectivity and internet  kiosks  opened  in  large  numbers  across  the  Valley  without  any  speed restrictions.

The  2G  mobile  internet  speed  is  not  an  impediment  in  covid  control  measures including  dissemination  of  information  to  the  general  public  as  well  as  health workers.   Also,   e-learning    apps   and  education/e-learning    websites   of   the

## L.S.Q.No. 1440 FOR 20.09.2020

Government  of  India/  Government  of  J&K  are  accessible  over  2G  internet  for downloading  e-books  and  other  study  material.  Further,  the  restriction  on  high speed mobile internet services has not been an impediment in the administration of justice and  the Courts have  taken special  measures  to conduct  their proceedings during the pandemic by providing video links/URLs to the lawyers and the litigants.

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