Kashmiris express happiness over restoration of 4G internet

Srinagar, Feb 06: The lifting of ban on 4G internet has brought a relief to people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Post August 5, 2019, the internet was suspended till January 25, 2020.  After resumption, the speed of the internet was restricted to 2G. It was badly affecting the business community, students, doctors, journalists, as they were not able to do their work due to low internet speed.
After 551 days, the government on Friday evening lifted a ban on 4G internet in J&K.
Principal Secretary of the Home Department J&K Shaleen Kabra announced lifting of ban on 4G internet and directed the Inspectors General of Kashmir and Jammu to “closely monitor the impact of lifting of restrictions”.
People also took to social media expressing happiness over restoration of 4G internet in J&K.
Arif Irshad, a 29-year-old youth of Srinagar, who is co-founder of an e-commerce website ‘Kashmir Origin’ where they sell products including handicrafts items, said their business was badly hit due to 2G internet.
“We were not able to open our website and properly check customers’ orders,” he told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS).
As 4G internet has been restored, he said this has provided a much needed relief to them. “It will boost our business. Customers can now easily place their orders. We can make artisans go live or make video calls to show customers how various handicraft items are produced and promote their products,” he added.
The students have also heaved a sigh of relief and expressed happiness over the restoration of 4G mobile internet service as they can attend online classes with ease in the times of coronavirus.
Sumeria Jan, a student of a college in Srinagar, said their studies were getting badly hit due to low internet.
“With 4G internet, we can attend online classes. We can download material for our studies. We can attend Zoom classes,” she said.
Similarly, the step will provide relief to thousands of job aspirants who have to apply for jobs in and outside J&K.
Besides students, teachers were equally disappointed with the curbs on the high speed internet in J&K.
Srinagar Municipal Corporation Mayor Junaid Azim Mattuu said the restoration of 4G internet in J&K was a welcome step and will ease out issues faced by students, the tourism industry and people at large
Former chief minister and National Conference (NC) said it is better late than never.
“4G Mubarak! For the first time since Aug 2019 all of J&K will have 4G mobile data. Better late than never,” Omar tweeted.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for “acceding to our request and restoring 4G services in the entire Jammu and Kashmir UT. The move will fulfil the aspirations of the people, especially the youth”.