Kashmiri journalists, news outlets still offline after India partially restores internet

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 29 January 2020

Despite a partial restoration of internet services in Jammu and Kashmir, local news websites remain largely inaccessible. Journalists face significant challenges due to ongoing slow speeds and limited access.

Summary

NEW YORK—Internet access was partially restored in most of Jammu and Kashmir on January 25, but service remained slow and social media platforms and many local news websites remain blocked, The New York Times and other outlets reported.

In a statement circulated to CPJ and news outlets, the Kashmir Press Club said that media organizations in the region still lacked broadband internet access 177 days after the shutdown was implemented.

Earlier this month, the Indian Supreme Court ruled that freedom of speech “using the medium of internet is constitutionally protected.”

“It is a complete farce for the Indian government to claim it is restoring internet if news websites are blocked and journalists do not have the speed and quality of service they need to do their essential work,” said Aliya Iftikhar, CPJ’s senior Asia researcher. “By continuing to control access to information, the Indian government is showing a complete disregard for the constitutional right to freedom of speech. Full internet access should be restored immediately.”

CPJ has documented the challenges journalists have faced since the internet shutdown and communications blackout was implemented after India abrogated Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.—A CPJ statement/Photo: AFP

KEY POINTS:

• Partial internet restoration in Jammu and Kashmir reported on January 25.
• Social media and many local news websites remain blocked despite the restoration.
• Kashmir Press Club highlights ongoing lack of broadband access for 177 days.
• Indian Supreme Court asserts internet freedom is constitutionally protected.
• CPJ criticizes government for hindering journalists' ability to work effectively.