Article 370: Internet services were temporarily suspended to maintain law and order situation in J&K says MHA

Two individuals associated with media organisations detained under PSA in J&K

SRINAGAR: The minister of state for Home Affairs on Wednesday said that the internet services were temporarily suspended in J&K for the maintenance of law and order and to ensure the safety and security of the public in the Union Territory after the abrogation of Article 370.

In a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha, the minister said that after the Constitutional changes of 5 August 2019, the internet services were temporarily suspended in Jammu and Kashmir for the maintenance of law and order and to ensure the safety and security of public.

“However, the internet services were restored in a graded manner. Presently, there is no restriction on internet services in Jammu and Kashmir. As a law enforcing agency, Police is duty bound to take action under law against any person (without any discrimination of profession or otherwise) who is found involved in such activities prejudicial to the security and sovereignty of the country,” he said.

He added that during the current year, two individuals associated with media organisations have been detained under Public Safety Act as reported by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir.

“The orders of temporary suspension of internet services, issued by the competent authority, under the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, during emergent situations, are uploaded on the official website of Jammu and Kashmir government,” he said—(KNO)