Early Times Report
JAMMU, Mar 19: Amnesty International (AI) has appealed the government to immediately restore full internet access in Jammu and Kashmir to fight Covid-19.
As on 19 March, the Government of India has reported 166 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the country. Of these, four cases have been confirmed by the Government in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Despite the rising number of cases, on 17 March 2020 the Government of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir ordered for the continued restrictions on full internet services such as restricting speed to 2G in the region, AI said, adding that complete internet shutdowns have also been imposed intermittently in certain areas in the guise of security. To contain the spread of the virus, the Government also ordered for the shutdown of all educational institutions, public parks, hotels, restaurants and other restrictions on public gatherings.
"There is a growing anxiety around the pandemic and unwarranted restrictions on content and dissemination of information only stands to add to the panic. Complete shutdowns or restricting of internet speed or access makes it difficult for people to navigate their way through a difficult time further undermining their trust in the authorities. The Government of India needs to adopt a rights-respecting approach to protect public health and restore access to 4G speed internet," said Avinash Kumar, Executive Director, Amnesty International India. |
