Net restoration, Assembly poll soon: L-G

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, December 4

With the improving security situation, the government in Jammu and Kashmir is mulling to restore mobile Internet services in a phased manner and also conduct the Legislative Assembly elections for the newly created Union Territory of J&K.

Lieutenant-Governor, J&K, Girish Chandra Murmu said once the situation returned to normal, Internet services in J&K would be restored in a phased manner.

“The situation is very good. As it becomes more normal, we will do it (Internet restoration) in a phased manner. We have already discussed it and are taking it up,” Murmu told reporters on the sidelines of a Passing Out-Cum Attestation Parade of 15th Basic Recruitment Training Course (BRTC) held at Subsidiary Training School, Sheeri, in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

The suspension of the Internet has become a routine in Kashmir to stifle protests against civilian or militant killings or during some controversial administrative or political decision.

In the run up to the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the state of J&K into two union territories, the authorities, fearing protests, blocked communication services completely. However, landline and postpaid mobile services were restored recently. Internet continues to be blocked in Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier, in his speech during the function, Murmu said the police was doing great work in ensuring smooth conduct of elections like the recently held Block Development Council (BDC) polls.

Murmu said the administration should gear up for the Assembly elections for the newly created Union Territory of J&K as people were eager to participate in democratic processes which was evident from their overwhelming participation in the recently held BDCs polls.

“J&K has a legislature and the process for holding Assembly elections will be initiated soon,” he said.