Srinagar, Nov 25 (KNS): J&K Unit of CPI (M) while terming internet gag in Kashmir for the last almost four months as grave violation of fundamental right to life, Monday said the communication blockade has put the people to immense hardships and the dealt a severe blow to the valley’s fragile economy

In a statement to KNS a spokesperson of the CPI (M) said, “Right to internet is part of right to life and right to education. According to National Telecom Policy, the Central Government itself has recognized internet a basic necessity for education and communication. Despite this the Government has snapped mobile data and broadband services in Kashmir, following the abrogation of the special status of J&K on August 5. Pre-paid mobile and SMS services continue to remain snapped which has created unimaginable miseries to common people.”

“This has created enormous problems for businessmen, students, tour operators, people associated with horticulture, Khidmat centers and others. The internet gag is highly disproportionate and never before have been seven million people been paralyzed like this. Even the government of India sponsored schemes have virtually become defunct due to the lack of internet services. The “Back to Village” (BtV) initiative of the government can’t be successful until internet services are not restored. In BtV schemes like NERGA are dependent on internet,” he said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The spokesperson said health schemes like Ayushman Bharat are dependent on internet and in the last almost four months patients are suffering due to the lack of internet services. “Similarly, Horticulture industry has suffered hugely due to the communication blockade imposed since August 5. Due to the lack of communication facilities, the grower could not remain in contact with the traders outside state and ultimately they suffered huge losses,” he said.

“Trade and tourism sectors have been directly hit due to the communication blockade while students, researchers and other professionals are facing huge crisis due to snapping of internet services. Students who are preparing for national level competitive exams have been worst affected while media has been virtually fractured due to the lack of internet facilities. Journalists are facing huge crisis and are not able to perform their professional duties freely,” the spokesperson added.

He also said that for the past several weeks, “we have been hearing that broadband internet services will be restored, but it has proven a hoax till now. It is high time that authorities without any further delay release all the political detainees, restore communication facilities so that people could have sigh of relief.” (KNS)