Remaining cut off from the internet is beyond imagination. To live a life that is full of miseries is disturbing the mental health of population. The whole world is enjoying un-interrupting internet service. In India this field is developing rapidly under Digital India program. Every nation wants development in this field to digitize and bring revolution in their nations. Moreover, internet has become part of life with the changing scenario. One has to think beyond the ancient times and realize its importance in day-to-day life of everyone.
Internet not only helps citizens but also nation in building a good image at international level and it also keeps everyone updated with the world affairs. It is mandatory for country heads to have their masses living in a manner, which is comfortable for them. All the experienced leaders know it well that common masses are always getting in a tizzy over minor things. Therefore, blocking internet is a big issue. Government despite knowing its necessity to everyone round the clock blocks it carelessly.
Yes, I am taking about Kashmir valley, which is facing frequent internet blockades. Valley is facing internet cutoff mostly, since 2010 uprising. Authorities block mobile internet after receiving inputs on possibility of any incident capable of triggering law and order problem. Suspending internet will not ease the Kashmir problem, but it will fuel the anger of Kashmiri’s towards the colonial system. Internet suspension tragedy has hit Kashmir hard because whenever there is requirement of internet connection unfortunately that remains suspended. This year as well as last year the peak tourist season was effected badly; no doubt, last year there was chaos after Burhan Wani’s death. This year a number of militants were killed in different operations, with govt. forces. Authorities follow new policy of suspending internet whenever encounter breaks out; the whole region goes out of internet facility. Suspension makes people suffer, who are dependent on internet, especially business as well as student community. Nowadays almost every business unit functions online or highly depends on it.
I discussed this issue with young minds of valley. They all describes it as a gag on basic communication between the individuals and gag on freedom of speech and expression. Since, it is essential part of studies of every student and other communities, authorities by suspending it puts their career on ventilator, which is very unfortunate.
According to a report by the Software Freedom Law Centre, the internet has been blocked in Kashmir at least 31 times between 2012 to 2016. It was blocked 10 times between April 2017 and July 13. Authorities this year in April banned 22 social media sites including Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter for a month through an order issued on dated 26 April 2017. This was worst kind of gag on freedom of speech and expression. Last year internet was suspended for five months, that was longest gag. However, in 21st century there are virtual private networks [VPN] and other proxy tricks to defy the government ordered gag, people use these sites and the gag makes no sense afterwards. These tricks turned the purpose of authorities to stop flow of wrong information, a flop show.
Lets make this facility open all the times. Let Kashmir get connected to the rest of the world. Twenty four seven.
(The writer is a student activist)