The Supreme Court of India has recently set up a special committee that has recommended the restoration of 4G internet services in the Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) region. Despite the persistently high threat perception regarding security in J&K, the committee believes that carefully managed trials could help evaluate the impact on the region’s security situation.
Committee’s Recommendation
The committee suggested that 4G internet services should be restored post August 15th, 2020 on a trial basis in specific areas. This approach enables monitoring of any changes to the security situation due to the restoration of the services. The restoration would occur in one district each from the Jammu region and the Kashmir region. The chosen districts would ideally be located away from the international border or line of control and exhibit low intensity of terrorist activities.
Telecom operators in these districts, given permission for 4G services, would need to provide reports on data usage volume and the most frequently used applications. The committee also noted that current internet speed restrictions do not hamper Covid control measures, education programmes, or business operations in the region. They emphasized that adequate internet access is available through broadband services over landlines for business and healthcare institutions.
Background of the Issue
High-speed internet services in J&K were suspended in August 2019 when the Centre announced the revocation of J&K’s special status and bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories (UTs). The Centre cited violence prevention as the reason for this decision. They maintained that faster internet services can be exploited by peace opposing factions operating under the influence of a hostile neighbour. These parties could potentially incite public unrest and disturb the atmosphere in J&K.
Prospected Impact of the 4G Ban Lift
Lifting the 4G ban in J&K could result in multiple positive outcomes. Commercial activities such as e-commerce, travel bookings, filing GST and income tax returns that require high-speed internet stand to benefit from this development.
Educational institutions and their students would be able to access online classes until schools and colleges reopen in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. This could also facilitate those working from home.
Access to 4G services also equips the medical community, including patients, with latest information, advisories, and guidelines.
Way Forward
The Centre must strike a balance between ensuring the security of J&K and upholding the rights of its people. A continuous assessment of the situation in J&K is crucial for formulating further steps in this regard.
(IE – Source)
