SFLC.in wrote to the Jammu and Kashmir adminstration urging them to not impose an internet shutdown in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and to ensure that citizens have access to full speed stable internet.
The erestwhile state had recently suffered from two internet shutdowns, one on 6.05.2021 in Shopian, Kashmir and the other one on 4.05.2021 in Sopore, Kashmir.
During the deadly second wave of the COVID 19 pandemic Internet has become even more crucial with citizens looking for resources online. Students have been taking online classes, businesses have been running online, professionals are working from home and tele medicine is taking place. Citizens of the entire country have been looking for life saving resources such as essential drugs, oxygen cyliners, hospital beds and ambulance services online. In absence of internet moreover, a vaccination appointment cannot be booked as Vaccination appointment for the age group of 18-44 years is only available through an online portal called Cowin run by the Government of India.
Through this letter we have urged the administration to not impose any shutdowns.
Read the letter below:
May 10, 2021
To,
Mr. Shaleen Kabra
Principal Secretary to the Govt.
Home Department, J&K
home-jk@nic.in
Via electronic mail
Respected Sir,
Subject – Internet Shutdowns in the middle of the 2nd wave of COVID-19 pandemic
The union territory of Jammu and Kashmir has recently suffered from two internet shutdowns, one on 6.05.2021 in Shopian, Kashmir and the other one on 4.05.2021 in Sopore, Kashmir.
India is currently in the middle of a deadly second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic which has till date taken over 246116 lifes across the country out of which 2,726 deaths have been reported from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The Internet has helped many people across the country in reaching out for essential life saving resources such as oxygen cylinders, medicines as well as looking for beds in hospitals. Citizens suffering from the deadly impact of the pandemic have used resources obtained from the internet to look for help, not to mention students taking classes online, e commerce functioning online, and professionals working from home. Under these circumstances, an internet shutdown causes a great deal of anguish and hardship to citizens. During these times citizens should have full access to the internet without any disruptions and speed throttling to ensure that they can
look for resources in a timely manner over the Internet.
Through this letter, we urge you to not impose an internet shutdown in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and to ensure that citizens have access to full speed stable internet. We have been tracking internet shutdowns in India since the year 2012 and the data is available at internetshutdowns.in. We have collected data about the internet shutdowns happening in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and how these shutdowns impact the people in the region in the form of Voices.
Regards,
Sincerely,
Prasanth Sugathan
Legal Director
SFLC.IN
prasanth@sflc.in
Copy to:
1. Sh. Manoj Sinha
Lt. Governor
Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir
rajbhawan-jk@nic.in
About SFLC.IN
SFLC.IN is the first Indian legal services organization that works exclusively on technology, law, and policy. As a not-for-profit organization engaged in the empowerment of India in citizens about their digital freedom and rights, it operates as a collective bringing together different stakeholders to a common platform to further the cause of digital rights. SFLC.in promotes innovation and open access to knowledge by helping policy makers make informed and just decisions regarding the use and adoption of technology. As of 2020 SFLC.in is the only Indian organization to be inducted as a member of the IFEX, a global network to defend the right to freedom of expression and information
