Kashmir media suffering due to internet suspension: Madhav

‘Internet restoration depends on security assessment’

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary, Ram Madhav Thursday said he would raise the issue of internet restoration service to media houses in Kashmir with the authorities sitting in New Delhi.
Talking on the sidelines of a news conference, Madhav, who was in the city to watch an I-League football match said he was aware about the circumstances in which media works in the Valley in absence of internet services.
“I’m aware Kashmir media has suffered in the past few months. And I will raise the internet restoration services to media once I reach New Delhi,” Madhav told Rising Kashmir. “I know you people have to go to that place (media centre) for work.”
Earlier, addressing a news conference, Madhav, who looks after Kashmir affairs, said the restoration of internet service in the Valley would depend on the security assessment.
“I’m expecting that things will be restored soon,” he said. “We are gradually restoring internet broadband service starting from hotels like this one (Taj Vivanta).”
In the intervening night of August 4 and August 5, authorities suspended all communication lines across the Valley to “prevent any law and order situation” in response to the Government of India’s decision of abrogation of Article 370.
Even though the administration restored postpaid mobile connectivity in Kashmir after two months, internet services continue to remain suspended till date.
Internet blockade in Kashmir continues to hit all spheres of life with businessmen and students facing the major brunt of the ban.
Earlier around 100 broadband connections had been restored in the Valley since November after authorities took signed bonds from people for taking responsibility that there would be no misuse of the facility.
On the release of political prisoners, Madhav said, “It is an ongoing process. They (politicians) are currently in preventive detention. So, things will take place accordingly.”