Residents’ demand for 4G internet gets shriller

Tribune News Service

JAMMU, March 24

Amid a complete lockdown to upscale the offensive against Coronavirus in the Union Territory (UT), the demand for restoration of 4G internet services has grown louder in J&K, with the Union Government facing sharp criticism for its alleged “insensitivity”.

Political parties, including the state unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), along with individuals and apolitical groups, have joined the chorus demanding immediate restoration of high-speed internet, which was suspended in J&K on the intervening night of August 4 and August 5, 2019, in the wake of scrapping of Article 370. People have taken to social networking sites to voice their demand for restoration of high-speed internet.

“Restoration of 4G in J&K is critical during this health emergency. It will help people stay informed, aware and connected with government guidelines, emergency services and family. It will facilitate working from home for students and employees,” said Vikramaditya Singh, scion of royal Dogra family, who had contested parliamentary elections from Kathua-Udhampur-Doda Lok Sabha seat on Congress ticket unsuccessfully.

The BJP said it was an appropriate time for the Centre to consider the restoration of 4G in the UT.

“The J&K administration should allow 4G services of mobile network in the UT as it will help the people to cope-up with the unprecedented situation. The government’s actions have brought the desired results and it is appropriate time now to consider allowing the use of 4G,” Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo, senior BJP and Kashmiri Pandit leader, said.

“At 2G speed, it’s not possible for our startups, students and employees to work from home Sir. Please #Restore4GinJK,” Jammu Kashmir Startups Association stated in a tweet to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Altaf Bukhari, president of the newly floated Jammu Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP), has also urged the Union Home Minister to restore high-speed mobile internet in the UT, saying “It would enable people, especially students, to remain engaged inside their homes, thereby effectively containing the global pandemic Covid”.

“Since all schools, colleges and universities are closed, millions of students are missing classes, creating an unparalleled education disruption in the region. Earlier, classes were affected due to disruptions created by August 5, 2019, decisions,” Bukhari said.

Iltija Mufti, daughter of former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, had recently said, “World is battling Coronavirus but the J&K administration is still unrelenting and refuses to lift the inhuman ban on 4G. In times of Covid pandemic, access to internet and information is a necessity, not a privilege. Are Kashmiri lives so cheap?”