CPI (M) leader MY Tarigami Monday said Supreme Court’s refusal to ask J&K administration to restore 4G internet connectivity in the Union territory has disappointed people.
In a statement, Tarigamisaid at a time when COVID19 pandemic has engulfed the whole world and peoplewere heavily relying on internet, the facility was being denied to people ofJ&K.
He said the low speedinternet was impeding the work-from-home regimen of professionals, includingdoctors, and students attending online classes.
“The ban on high-speedinternet makes it difficult for many in Kashmir to work from home and fulfilltheir right to employment and an adequate standard of living,” he said.
Tarigami said last yearstudents in Kashmir lost several precious months due to the security clampdownimposed after August 5.
Now, he said, when schoolshad just reopened after seven months, lockdown had to be imposed to preventspread of coronavirus infection.
“The same government whichintroduced online classes is denying high speed internet facility to studentsin J&K which is unfortunate. Students are unable to attend online classesdue to internet connectivity issues,” he said.
He said the access totimely and accurate information was necessary to provide public with theunderstanding needed to support collective health efforts to reduce coronavirustransmission.
“However, restriction oninternet is preventing people from accessing vital health information. Healthcareprofessionals in J&K are fighting the pandemic without a full library ofresources,” said Tarigami.
He said online videoconsultations were not possible due to low internet speed which furtherjeopardizes patient care and additionally limits the capacity of alreadyunderstaffed and weak healthcare system.
“If the claims of thegovernment that internet is being misused by some elements are true, why isn’tit taking remedial measures to stop it instead of punishing the wholepopulation,” he said.