Internet services suspended again

Tribune News Service

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New Delhi, September 4

J&K authorities today decided to continue with restrictions on the assembly of people in most parts of the Valley after the death of hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, officials said. Even mobile Internet services, which were restored on Friday night, have again been suspended.

Geelani, 92, died at his home in Srinagar on Wednesday night after a prolonged illness. The pro-Pakistan Hurriyat leader, who spearheaded separatist politics for over three decades in J&K, was given a quiet burial at a mosque near his residence.

PDP hits out at Centre over curbs

• PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has said the Centre’s claim that J&K people enjoy equal rights is a “barefaced lie”
• The ease with which the Centre imposes curbs in the Valley every time it anticipates a reaction is distressing, she says
• Her remarks came after authorities restricted mobile telephone and Internet services after Geelani’s demise

Restrictions on assembly of people remained in force in most parts of the Valley but curbs on movement have been eased in some parts, officials said, adding that the curbs were in place in Srinagar’s downtown (old city) and Hyderpora, the native area of Geelani.

Officials also informed that roads leading to Geelani’s residence were kept sealed with barricades put up to stop the movement of people. Security forces have been deployed in strength in the city and elsewhere to maintain law and order.

Internet services and mobile telephony services across all operators were restored on Friday night after remaining suspended for two days. But Internet services on mobile devices were suspended again on Saturday morning after a review of the situation, officials added.

Meanwhile, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said the Centre’s claim that J&K people enjoyed equal rights was a “barefaced lie”. “The ease with which the Centre imposes a complete siege in the Valley every time it anticipates a reaction is distressing and deeply insensitive,” she said.

(With PTI inputs)