Over 40 global rights groups, part of a campaign #KeepItOn, on Friday demanded the restoration of 4G services in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the absence of high-speed internet is hampering works of doctors, journalists and others amid the COVID-19 lockdown.
In an open letter signed by organisations like Access Now,Committee to Protect Journalists, Internet without borders, Human Rights Watchsaid that the absence of 4G internet has particularly hindered the work ofhealth professionals who are on the front-lines combating this global pandemic.
“Doctors in Jammu and Kashmir are struggling to accessimportant information, often waiting hours to download and access informationsuch as guidelines for intensive care management of the virus and bestpractices recommended by the WHO. The restriction of high-speed internetaccess has also impeded the work of human rights defenders, journalists andother actors working in the region,” the letter said.
The coalition these groups which opposes internet shutdownin any part of the world said that the access to information and the free-flowof communications, including for the media, is more crucial than ever in thewake of the COVID-19 outbreak, which continues to claim thousands of livesglobally, especially given the novelty of the virus and lack of a vaccine.
It said that the people are relying on the internet anddigital communication platforms to access life-saving information provided bythe World Health Organisation (WHO) and other public health experts.”Accessto accurate information is indispensable in tackling the spread of COVID-19 andit must, therefore, be the priority of every government. The internet is alsoplaying a crucial role during the pandemic in allowing people to carry outimportant activities while they avoid public spaces since gathering facilitatesthe spread of the virus,” it said.