Fearing misuse, J&K govt suspends mobile internet service in parts of Bhaderwah till May 27

The home department ordered the suspension of mobile internet service on 37 towers – 19 of Reliance Jio and 18 of Airtel – on the recommendation of IGP (Jammu Zone) Bhim Sen Tuti, officials said.

Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered temporary suspension of mobile internet service till May 27 in parts of Bhaderwah in Doda district over its likely misuse by “anti-national elements” to disrupt public order, officials said.

The home department ordered the suspension of mobile internet service on 37 towers – 19 of Reliance Jio and 18 of Airtel – on the recommendation of IGP (Jammu Zone) Bhim Sen Tuti, they said.

In the order, Principal Secretary (Home) Chandraker Bharti said the services have been suspended with effect from 8 pm on May 22 to 8 pm on May 27.

“The Jammu Zone IGP being the authorised officer under Rule 3 of Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024, has issued directions to the telecom and internet service providers to suspend mobile data services temporarily in the Bhaderwah area.

“The order/letter under reference, inter-alia, mentions that mobile data services – 2G/3G/4G/5G and public wi-fi – are likely to be misused by anti-national elements/miscreants, which may cause deterioration in public order,” the order said.

The temporary suspension was necessary in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of the country, the security of the Union Territory and for maintaining public order, it added.