Lok Sabha Question No. 1422 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-02-11
Subject: Communication Shut Down
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Ritesh Pandey

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1422

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 11 TH  FEBRUARY, 2020/ MAGHA 22, 1941 (SAKA)

COMMUNICATION SHUT DOWN

1422. SHRI RITESH PANDEY:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether  the  Government has held consultations with relevant authorities after  communication  services  were  suspended  in  Jammu  and  Kashmir  to assess the possible inconveniences caused to people due to communication shut downs and the manner in which the same will be mitigated;

(b)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  manner  in  which  the  following problems for people were mitigated:

(i) Not being able to access emergency health services,

(ii) Not being able to access banking services,

(iii) Not being able to pay bills for services,

(iv) Students not being able to apply for scholarships, exams etc.,

(v)  Students studying outside Kashmir running out of money as their parents were unable to send money,

(vi)  Business  owners  not  being  able  to  conduct  business  online  or  pay  their creditors etc.; and

(c) if no such consultations were held, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER

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

(a) to (c) The Parliament had taken certain major decisions relating to Article 370 thereby removing all constitutional  ambiguities  such  as  Article  35A  etc. and  applying  all  provisions of the Constitution of India while reorganizing the

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 1422 FOR 11.02.2020

erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir into the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Considering the past history of terrorist violence in Jammu and Kashmir being proactively  supported  from  across  the  border,  concerned  authorities  of  the Government of Jammu and Kashmir who are competent to impose restrictions, as  specified  under  various  laws  of  the  land  has  imposed  the  restrictions  on communication  services,  to  prevent  loss  of  human  life  and  property  and maintain law  and  order,  in  view  of  the  misuse  of  internet  for  propagation  of terror activities, coordination of activities inimical to the security of the State &  Public  order,  transmission  of  fake  news  and  rumours  and  circulation  of inflammatory material to incite the general public.

Concerned  authorities  of  the  Government  of  Jammu  and  Kashmir  have  been regularly reviewing removing/imposing restrictions based on the ground situation.

As of now, there are no restrictions on Voice calling services and SMS facility, both  on  post-paid  and  pre-paid  mobile  services.    Mobile  data  services  and internet  access  through  fixed  line  has  also  been  restored  with  certain restrictions.

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 1422 FOR 11.02.2020

Government offices and all other utility services including  Hospitals etc. are fully accessible to the general public.

In order to provide for all such communication needs to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, 1,144 terminals with internet facilities, 74 special counters, ekiosks etc. have also been established.

*****