Srinagar: Solicitor general of India has said in the Supreme Court that since the abrogation of article 370 of the constitution in August last year, “the situation has completely eroded.”
Today, a three-judge bench in the SC was hearing a batch of petitions seeking restoration of 4G internet service in the Valley — as the current 2G service is proving to be a hindrance for education and business.
On the intervening night of 4 and 5 August 2019, the government snapped all lines of communication. The next morning, the Centre scrapped the region’s decades-old special status — in the following week, the forces detained thousands of people, including politicians, lawyers, activists, and businessmen.
Senior law officer, representing the Central government was asked by the judge, J Ramana, if the internet restriction orders were passed after a review. “These orders have been reviewed by the committee,” the SG said. “After the abrogation of article 370 the situation has completely eroded.”
During the hearing, Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi for Petitioner, said, “In J-K, as on today there are 701 COVID-19 cases and 8 deaths. When this petition was filed there were about 33 cases. Today it has escalated. We have made repeated Representation to the govt.
“The internet speed restriction has led to problems being faced by doctors who cannot access information about Covid treatment which is extremely necessary,” he added. “Almost 75 doctors have also made a Representation to the J-K govt flagging the same concerns.”
Despite the repetitive appeals by the various rights groups and healthcare professionals for the restoration of high-speed internet, the governments continues to ban.