Kashmir’s communication blackout is a ‘devastating blow’ for academics, researchers say.

Pedro_P

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An Indian paramilitary trooper stands guard in the city of Srinagar, in Indian-administered Kashmir.Yawar Nazir/Getty Images
▼ Six professors from India’s top science institutions have appealed to the government to lift the blockade of academic and research institutions in Indian-controlled Kashmir. The blockade has been a “devastating blow,” the six write in an open letter published  yesterday.
Like the rest of India’s only majority-Muslim state, Kashmir’s academic community has been cut off almost entirely from the rest of the world since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government abolished the state’s special status on 5 August. “We call upon the government to lift the blackout at these institutions right away and take all steps possible to help members of the Kashmiri academic community to make up for these lost weeks,” the researchers write.
Kashmir has been a source of tension for decades. India and Pakistan have fought four wars over the region and India accuses Pakistan of fomenting secessionism in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the part administered by India. After unilaterally ending the state’s special status, which included limited autonomy, the Indian government has split the region into three administrative territories, Jammu (which has a Hindu majority), Kashmir (predominantly Muslim), and Ladakh (where Buddhists and Shia Muslims are in the majority).
To prevent revolts, the entire Kashmir valley was put under strict curfew. Phone lines and the internet were disconnected. (Landline phone service was later restored, but most people in the state use mobile phones.) Schools, colleges, and the universities were closed. Most local politicians, including those who support the Indian government, have been jailed, along with thousands of civilians. India’s military now controls the state completely, and there have been many reports of human rights abuses, which the Indian government has vehemently denied.
“Everything has come to a grinding halt,” says one senior scientist living in Kashmir who asked (▪ ▪ ▪)

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GrimReaper

The concept of this "Internet Blackout" seems to me very much a strategy of the "Middle Ages", AKA the DARK ages.
I believe in this century, the modern era, information needs to be free flowing. I understand and acknowledge, mis-information also flows through the same channels and the attempt to arrest rumors is what leads to this ban. However, if a State resorts to blanket bans and random punitive measures instead of targeted tackling of the situation then it is sign that the administration is beginning to fail.

chanakyakripa

GrimReaper 22-9-2019 07:16 PM
The concept of this "Internet Blackout" seems to me very much a strategy of the "Middle Ages", AKA t ...

i beg to disagree. in last 6 months, major communal disharmony has been averted in Asansol due to internet blackout only.
so for greater good, this has been done. hopefully situation will change for better.

asr335704

Once normalcy is restored, communication services will also be operational.
As the area is on high alert and very sensitive, saving lives and restoring normalcy should be the top priority. Communication services can then be restored.

Yes, it will be very inconvenient in short term but would be beneficial in long term.