Censorship in Kashmir: Difference between revisions

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{{short description|Information about censorship in Indian State Kashmir}}
{{short description|Information about censorship in Indian State Kashmir}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}}
'''[[Censorship]] in [[Kashmir]]''' involves the [[Censorship in India|censorship]] of both [[news media]] and [[social media]] as part of the [[Kashmir conflict]].
'''[[Censorship]] in [[Kashmir]]''' involves the [[Censorship in India|censorship]] of both [[news media]] and [[social media]] as part of the [[Kashmir conflict]].


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== 2010 protest censorship ==
== 2010 protest censorship ==
A protest reportedly took place in the [[Indian Administered Kashmir]] against the summer of 2010, when 15 people were allegedly killed in three weeks by the [[Indian Armed Forces]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Protests in Indian Kashmir|url=http://www.economist.com/node/16542619?story_id=16542619A|access-date=10 June 2012|newspaper=The economist|date=8 July 2008}}</ref> Army's help was sought to restore law and order after protests by people as Government virtually [[Political censorship|banned the media]] in the Valley by imposing severe restrictions on journalists.<ref>{{cite news|title=Curbs on media in Kashmir Valley|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article504178.ece|access-date=July 7, 2012|newspaper=The Hindu|date=10 June 2012}}</ref>  The revolution was allegedly carried out by youth who disseminated information to the outer world in view of the gagging of media,<ref>{{cite web|last=Magnier |first=Mark |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-kashmir-tea-20100708,0,4889993.story |title=Kashmir violence: A beating to go with the tea |work=Los Angeles Times |date=2010-07-08 |access-date=2010-08-01}}</ref> newspapers and [[SMS]] services.
A protest reportedly took place in the [[Indian Administered Kashmir]] against the summer of 2010, when 15 people were killed in three weeks by the [[Indian Armed Forces]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Protests in Indian Kashmir|url=http://www.economist.com/node/16542619?story_id=16542619A|access-date=10 June 2012|newspaper=The economist|date=8 July 2022}}</ref> Army's help was sought to restore law and order after protests by people as Government virtually [[Political censorship|banned the media]] in the Valley by imposing severe restrictions on journalists.<ref>{{cite news|title=Curbs on media in Kashmir Valley|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article504178.ece|access-date=July 7, 2012|newspaper=The Hindu|date=10 June 2022}}</ref>  The revolution was allegedly carried out by youth who disseminated information to the outer world in view of the gagging of media,<ref>{{cite web|last=Magnier |first=Mark |url=http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-kashmir-tea-20100708,0,4889993.story |title=Kashmir violence: A beating to go with the tea |work=Los Angeles Times |date=2010-07-08 |access-date=2010-08-01}}</ref> newspapers and [[SMS]] services.


== July 2016 media outlet ban ==
== July 2016 media outlet ban ==
The ban of media in 2016 in Kashmir began 10 days after the killing of Burhan Wani, a popular rebel group leader in Kashmir. Protests against the killing of Wani broke out in the streets as young Kashmiris attacked the police.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/indepth/2018/12/28/a-year-of-death-destruction-and-censorship-in-kashmir|title=A year of death, destruction and censorship in Kashmir|last=Bhat|first=Aamir Ali|website=alaraby|language=en|access-date=2019-04-27}}</ref> Wani was a social-media-savvy insurgent who affected the lives of the majority of Kashmiris, requesting them to follow his path through social media and newspaper posts. These protests led to more than 33 deaths and hundreds being severely injured. The riots and protests got so unruly that the government decided to impose serious actions on the media while they struggled to bring the situation under control. The government decided to shut down cable TV operators and private cellphone services, as well as banning daily newspapers. The government called this an ‘information blockade’ as they believed that young and emotion lot of people out on the streets that are surcharged by certain media publications.{{clarify|date=March 2020}} The newspapers refrain from publishing content deemed inappropriate by the government but this was the first time there was a ban imposed on the newspapers. Police officials and security forces raided printing presses and seized copies of newspapers. The ban lasted for over a week in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/07/18/modi-government-shuts-down-newspapers-in-strife-torn-kashmir/|title=Authorities in India shut down newspapers in strife-torn Kashmir|last=Lakshmi|first=Rema|date=July 18, 2016|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref>
The ban of media in 2016 in Kashmir began 10 days after the killing of Burhan Wani, a popular rebel group leader in Kashmir. Protests against the killing of Wani broke out in the streets as young Kashmiris attacked the police.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/indepth/2018/12/28/a-year-of-death-destruction-and-censorship-in-kashmir|title=A year of death, destruction and censorship in Kashmir|last=Bhat|first=Aamir Ali|website=alaraby|language=en|access-date=2019-04-27}}</ref> Wani was a social-media-savvy insurgent who affected the lives of the majority of Kashmiris, requesting them to follow his path through social media and newspaper posts. These protests led to more than 33 deaths and hundreds being severely injured. The riots and protests got so unruly that the government decided to impose serious actions on the media while they struggled to bring the situation under control. The government decided to shut down cable TV operators and private cellphone services, as well as banning daily newspapers. The government called this an ‘information blockade’ as they believed that young and emotion lot of people out on the streets that are surcharged by certain media publications.{{clarify|date=March 2022}} The newspapers refrain from publishing content deemed inappropriate by the government but this was the first time there was a ban imposed on the newspapers. Police officials and security forces raided printing presses and seized copies of newspapers. The ban lasted for over a week in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/07/18/modi-government-shuts-down-newspapers-in-strife-torn-kashmir/|title=Authorities in India shut down newspapers in strife-torn Kashmir|last=Lakshmi|first=Rema|date=July 18, 2016|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref>


== April 2017 social media ban ==
== April 2017 social media ban ==
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== 2019-20 Jammu and Kashmir lockdown ==
== 2019-20 Jammu and Kashmir lockdown ==
{{Main|2019-20 Jammu and Kashmir lockdown}}
{{Main|2019-20 Jammu and Kashmir lockdown}}
On August 5, 2019, a security lockdown and communications blackout was imposed to prevent protests during which thousands of people, mostly young men, have been illegally detained in [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref>{{cite news |title=At Least 2,300 People Have Been Detained During the Lockdown in Kashmir |url=https://time.com/5657293/india-kashmir-detention-security-lockdown/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821182839/https://time.com/5657293/india-kashmir-detention-security-lockdown/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 August 2019 |work=Time |date=August 21, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Kashmir city on lockdown after calls for protest march |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/23/kashmir-city-srinagar-india-lockdown-calls-protest-march |work=The Guardian |date=23 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Inside Kashmir's lockdown: 'Even I will pick up a gun' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-49294301 |work=BBC |date=10 August 2019}}</ref>  
On August 5, 2019, a security lockdown and communications blackout was imposed to prevent protests during which thousands of people, mostly young men, have been illegally detained in [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=At Least 2,300 People Have Been Detained During the Lockdown in Kashmir |url=https://time.com/5657293/india-kashmir-detention-security-lockdown/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821182839/https://time.com/5657293/india-kashmir-detention-security-lockdown/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 August 2019 |magazine=Time |date=August 21, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Kashmir city on lockdown after calls for protest march |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/23/kashmir-city-srinagar-india-lockdown-calls-protest-march |work=The Guardian |date=23 August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Inside Kashmir's lockdown: 'Even I will pick up a gun' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-49294301 |work=BBC |date=10 August 2022}}</ref>  
   
   
The lockdown started on 5 August 2019 following [[Revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir]] via scrapping of the [[Article 370 of the Constitution of India]], [[Article 35A of the Constitution of India]] and the introduction of [[Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Restrictions eased as Kashmir enters Day 22 of lockdown |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/restrictions-eased-as-kashmir-enters-day-22-of-lockdown/articleshow/70839690.cms |work=The Economic Times |date=26 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=No respite in sight as J&K lockdown enters 25th day |url=https://www.asianage.com/india/all-india/300819/no-respite-in-sight-as-jk-lockdown-enters-25th-day.html |work=The Asian Age |date=30 August 2019}}</ref> Since 5 August, no foreign journalists have been granted permission from the [[Indian government]] to report in Kashmir.<ref name="VoA">{{cite news |title=US Senator Barred From Kashmir as Lockdown Enters 3rd Month |url=https://www.voanews.com/south-central-asia/us-senator-barred-kashmir-lockdown-enters-3rd-month |work=Voice of America |date=5 October 2019}}</ref>
The lockdown started on 5 August 2019 following [[Revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir]] via scrapping of the [[Article 370 of the Constitution of India]], [[Article 35A of the Constitution of India]] and the introduction of [[Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Restrictions eased as Kashmir enters Day 22 of lockdown |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/restrictions-eased-as-kashmir-enters-day-22-of-lockdown/articleshow/70839690.cms |work=The Economic Times |date=26 August 2019 |access-date=15 February 2020 |archive-date=26 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826101759/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/restrictions-eased-as-kashmir-enters-day-22-of-lockdown/articleshow/70839690.cms |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=No respite in sight as J&K lockdown enters 25th day |url=https://www.asianage.com/india/all-india/300819/no-respite-in-sight-as-jk-lockdown-enters-25th-day.html |work=The Asian Age |date=30 August 2022}}</ref> Since 5 August, no foreign journalists have been granted permission from the [[Indian government]] to report in Kashmir.<ref name="VoA">{{cite news |title=US Senator Barred From Kashmir as Lockdown Enters 3rd Month |url=https://www.voanews.com/south-central-asia/us-senator-barred-kashmir-lockdown-enters-3rd-month |work=Voice of America |date=5 October 2022}}</ref>


According to a September 6 report of the Indian government, nearly 4,000 people have been illegally arrested and detained in the disputed region. Among those arrested were more than 200 politicians, including two former [[Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir|chief ministers]] of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), along with more than 100 leaders and activists from [[All Parties Hurriyat Conference]].<ref name="reuters">{{cite news |title=Thousands detained in Indian Kashmir crackdown, official data reveals |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-detentions/thousands-detained-in-indian-kashmir-crackdown-official-data-reveals-idUSKCN1VX142 |work=Reuters |date=September 12, 2019}}</ref>
According to a September 6 report of the Indian government, nearly 4,000 people have been arrested and detained in the disputed region. Among those arrested were more than 200 politicians, including two former [[Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir|chief ministers]] of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), along with more than 100 leaders and activists from [[All Parties Hurriyat Conference]].<ref name="reuters">{{cite news |title=Thousands detained in Indian Kashmir crackdown, official data reveals |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-kashmir-detentions/thousands-detained-in-indian-kashmir-crackdown-official-data-reveals-idUSKCN1VX142 |work=Reuters |date=September 12, 2022}}</ref>


The lockdown ended with the resumption of all communication services, allowing 4G and 3G Internet services, in early February 2021.<ref>https://zeenews.india.com/india/as-4g-gets-restored-foriegn-envoys-expected-to-visit-jammu-and-kashmir-2341731.html</ref>
The lockdown ended with the resumption of all communication services, allowing 4G and 3G Internet services, in early February 2021.<ref name=":1">[https://zeenews.india.com/india/as-4g-gets-restored-foriegn-envoys-expected-to-visit-jammu-and-kashmir-2341731.html As 4G is restored in Jammu & Kashmir, Centre plans another trip for foreign envoys | India News | Zee News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


==Censorship on internet==
==Censorship on internet==
'''Censorship on internet''' refers to the restrictions on telecommunication such as [[broadband]] as well as [[Mobile broadband|mobile internet]] imposed by the government of India or state administration. In August 2019, the [[Government of India]] barred all broadband as well as mobile internet services in the region to prevent the [[Hoax|deliberately fabricated falsehood]] on social media. In January 2020, 2G internet was resumed with no access to social media.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/2g-mobile-internet-to-be-restored-in-kashmir-from-midnight-120012401741_1.html | title=2G mobile internet services to be restored in Kashmir from midnight| newspaper=Business Standard India| date=24 January 2020| last1=India| first1=Press Trust of}}</ref> Although some cases of [[Coronavirus disease 2019|COVID-19]] infection have been confirmed in the region, authorities continued to enforce the 4G internet ban, preventing people from getting important information about the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] and its safety tips.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/kashmir-survived-without-4g-internet-for-months-with-coronavirus-it-really-needs-it-1659883-2020-03-26 |title = Kashmir survived without 4G internet for months, with coronavirus, it really needs it}}</ref> Medical institutions has described 4G ban a risk factor for COVID-19 deaths in J&K, as the information about WHO's guideline on testing and its countermeasures remained inaccessible in the region.<ref name="The Wire 2020">{{cite web | title=Doctors Write Open Letter to PM Modi on 4G Access for Jammu and Kashmir | website=The Wire | date=26 March 2020 | url=https://thewire.in/rights/doctors-write-open-letter-to-pm-modi-on-4g-access-for-jammu-and-kashmir | access-date=27 March 2020}}</ref> [[Amnesty International]] also urged government to restore 4G internet in critical situation of pandemic disease.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/amnesty-international-asks-govt-to-restore-4g-services-in-kashmir/article31109509.ece |title = Amnesty International asks govt to restore 4G services in Kashmir}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/03/mitigate-risks-of-covid-19-for-jammu-and-kashmir-by-immediately-restoring-full-access-to-internet-services/ |title = Mitigate risks of Covid-19 for Jammu and Kashmir by immediately restoring full access to internet services}}</ref> Doctors, according to news media,  are not able to deal the coronavirus due to non-availability of 4G internet and lack of significant information available online.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/die-cattle-kashmiris-fear-coronavirus-outbreak-200322151405218.html |title = 'We'll die like cattle': Kashmiris fear coronavirus outbreak &#124; Kashmir News News &#124; al Jazeera}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/kashmir/restore-4g-net-services-in-jk-to-fight-coronavirus-amnesty-international/ | title=Restore 4G net services in J&K to fight coronavirus: Amnesty International| date=19 March 2020}}</ref> In April - May 2020, [[Supreme Court of India]] heard a batch of writ petitions challenging the ban on 4G internet services. J&K administration opposed the plea stating that ''"the right to access the internet is not a fundamental right".''<ref>{{Cite web|title=4G Internet Services in UT of Jammu and Kashmir|url=https://onelawstreet.com/4g-internet-services-in-ut-of-jammu-and-kashmir/|date=2020-04-08|website=One Law Street|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-12}}</ref> On 11 May 2020, Supreme Court disposed of these petitions refusing the  request for restoration of 4G internet services. Court, however, constituted a special committee composed of senior bureaucrats to look into the issue. The committee ironically was composed of the bureaucrats having a major hand in imposing the censorship.  
'''Censorship on internet''' refers to the restrictions on telecommunication such as [[broadband]] as well as [[Mobile broadband|mobile internet]] imposed by the government of India or state administration. In August 2019, the [[Government of India]] barred all broadband as well as mobile internet services in the region to prevent the [[Hoax|deliberately fabricated falsehood]] on social media. In January 2020, 2G internet was resumed with no access to social media.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/2g-mobile-internet-to-be-restored-in-kashmir-from-midnight-120012401741_1.html | title=2G mobile internet services to be restored in Kashmir from midnight| newspaper=Business Standard India| date=24 January 2020| agency=Press Trust of India}}</ref> Although some cases of [[Coronavirus disease 2019|COVID-19]] infection have been confirmed in the region, authorities continued to enforce the 4G internet ban, preventing people from getting important information about the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] and its safety tips.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/kashmir-survived-without-4g-internet-for-months-with-coronavirus-it-really-needs-it-1659883-2020-03-26 |title = Kashmir survived without 4G internet for months, with coronavirus, it really needs it}}</ref> Medical institutions has described 4G ban a risk factor for COVID-19 deaths in J&K, as the information about WHO's guideline on testing and its countermeasures remained inaccessible in the region.<ref name="The Wire 2020">{{cite web | title=Doctors Write Open Letter to PM Modi on 4G Access for Jammu and Kashmir | website=The Wire | date=26 March 2020 | url=https://thewire.in/rights/doctors-write-open-letter-to-pm-modi-on-4g-access-for-jammu-and-kashmir | access-date=27 March 2022}}</ref> [[Amnesty International]] also urged government to restore 4G internet in critical situation of pandemic disease.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/amnesty-international-asks-govt-to-restore-4g-services-in-kashmir/article31109509.ece |title = Amnesty International asks govt to restore 4G services in Kashmir}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2020/03/mitigate-risks-of-covid-19-for-jammu-and-kashmir-by-immediately-restoring-full-access-to-internet-services/ |title = Mitigate risks of Covid-19 for Jammu and Kashmir by immediately restoring full access to internet services}}</ref> Doctors, according to news media,  are not able to deal the coronavirus due to non-availability of 4G internet and lack of significant information available online.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/die-cattle-kashmiris-fear-coronavirus-outbreak-200322151405218.html |title = 'We'll die like cattle': Kashmiris fear coronavirus outbreak &#124; Kashmir News News &#124; al Jazeera}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/kashmir/restore-4g-net-services-in-jk-to-fight-coronavirus-amnesty-international/ | title=Restore 4G net services in J&K to fight coronavirus: Amnesty International| date=19 March 2022}}</ref> In April - May 2020, [[Supreme Court of India]] heard a batch of writ petitions challenging the ban on 4G internet services. J&K administration opposed the plea stating that ''"the right to access the internet is not a fundamental right".''<ref>{{Cite web|title=4G Internet Services in UT of Jammu and Kashmir|url=https://onelawstreet.com/4g-internet-services-in-ut-of-jammu-and-kashmir/|date=2020-04-08|website=One Law Street|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-12}}</ref> On 11 May 2020, Supreme Court disposed of these petitions refusing the  request for restoration of 4G internet services. Court, however, constituted a special committee composed of senior bureaucrats to look into the issue. The committee ironically was composed of the bureaucrats having a major hand in imposing the censorship.


=== Later development ===
=== Later development ===
As on 15 Jan 2021, high-speed cellular internet has not been restored across the UT. Wired fiber internet is available without any speed restrictions only in elite city areas, that too at costs exceeding budgets of middle class households. The public alleges that it is a major way in which the current Government is oppressing the minority community in the name of protecting the sovereignty of country. <ref>{{Cite web|title=4G in n J&K: SC declines prayers for 4G, constitutes committee to look into the issue|url=https://onelawstreet.com/4g-in-n-jk-sc-declines-prayers-for-4g-constitutes-committee-to-look-into-the-issue/|date=2020-05-10|website=One Law Street|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-12}}</ref>
High-speed cellular internet has been restored across the UT since February 2021.<ref name=":1" />


==References==
==References==
Line 42: Line 42:
* Amin, Khalid, '[https://web.archive.org/web/20180411073149/http://tlhjournal.com/uploads/products/41.khalid-amin-article.pdf Censorship, Corruption and Surveillance in Art: A Case Study of Kashmiri Theatre]', ''The Literary Herald:'', 3.4 (December 2017), 273–79.
* Amin, Khalid, '[https://web.archive.org/web/20180411073149/http://tlhjournal.com/uploads/products/41.khalid-amin-article.pdf Censorship, Corruption and Surveillance in Art: A Case Study of Kashmiri Theatre]', ''The Literary Herald:'', 3.4 (December 2017), 273–79.
* Hashim, Irfan, ''Freedom of Speech and Journalism in Kashmir'' (LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, 2013), {{ISBN|978-3659398452}}
* Hashim, Irfan, ''Freedom of Speech and Journalism in Kashmir'' (LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, 2013), {{ISBN|978-3659398452}}
* Joseph, Teresa, 'Kashmir, human rights and the Indian press', ''Contemporary South Asia'', 9 (2000), 41–55, {{DOI|10.1080/713658719}}.
* Joseph, Teresa, 'Kashmir, human rights and the Indian press', ''Contemporary South Asia'', 9 (2000), 41–55, {{doi|10.1080/713658719}}.
* Navlakha, Gautam, Rita Manchanda and Tapan K. Bose, '[https://www.jstor.org/stable/4404409 Political Situation in Kashmir: Duped by Media and Government]', ''Economic and Political Weekly'', vol. 31, no. 29 (July 20, 1996), 1927–31.
* Navlakha, Gautam, Rita Manchanda and Tapan K. Bose, '[https://www.jstor.org/stable/4404409 Political Situation in Kashmir: Duped by Media and Government]', ''Economic and Political Weekly'', vol. 31, no. 29 (July 20, 1996), 1927–31.
* Noorani, A. G., '[https://www.jstor.org/stable/40276353 Academic Freedom in Kashmir and Elsewhere]', ''Economic and Political Weekly'', vol. 42, no. 36 (September 8–14, 2007), pp.&nbsp;3600–3602.
* Noorani, A. G., '[https://www.jstor.org/stable/40276353 Academic Freedom in Kashmir and Elsewhere]', ''Economic and Political Weekly'', vol. 42, no. 36 (September 8–14, 2007), pp.&nbsp;3600–3602.

Revision as of 22:24, 6 November 2022


Censorship in Kashmir involves the censorship of both news media and social media as part of the Kashmir conflict.

According to the Software Freedom Law Center, the internet in Kashmir was blocked at least 31 times from 2012 to 2016.[1]

2010 protest censorship

A protest reportedly took place in the Indian Administered Kashmir against the summer of 2010, when 15 people were killed in three weeks by the Indian Armed Forces.[2] Army's help was sought to restore law and order after protests by people as Government virtually banned the media in the Valley by imposing severe restrictions on journalists.[3] The revolution was allegedly carried out by youth who disseminated information to the outer world in view of the gagging of media,[4] newspapers and SMS services.

July 2016 media outlet ban

The ban of media in 2016 in Kashmir began 10 days after the killing of Burhan Wani, a popular rebel group leader in Kashmir. Protests against the killing of Wani broke out in the streets as young Kashmiris attacked the police.[5] Wani was a social-media-savvy insurgent who affected the lives of the majority of Kashmiris, requesting them to follow his path through social media and newspaper posts. These protests led to more than 33 deaths and hundreds being severely injured. The riots and protests got so unruly that the government decided to impose serious actions on the media while they struggled to bring the situation under control. The government decided to shut down cable TV operators and private cellphone services, as well as banning daily newspapers. The government called this an ‘information blockade’ as they believed that young and emotion lot of people out on the streets that are surcharged by certain media publications.[clarification needed] The newspapers refrain from publishing content deemed inappropriate by the government but this was the first time there was a ban imposed on the newspapers. Police officials and security forces raided printing presses and seized copies of newspapers. The ban lasted for over a week in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.[6]

April 2017 social media ban

In April 2017, the authorities in Indian administered Kashmir (IAK) banned several social media sites after they believed that they were being used as a tool to indulge violence and terrorism amongst the youths by anti-national elements.[7] The government of IAK regularly blocked internet connections but this was the first time such a step was taken on social media. Over the past five years, the government blocked internet signals over 28 times and in 2016, the internet connection was blocked for about five months. The social media sites and apps blocked included WhatsApp, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, WeChat, Skype, Pinterest, and Vine. The government described this ban as an action to control the political space in IAK. Due to this ban, riots broke down in certain IAK regions. The protests started in the southern district of Pulwama by certain ringleaders. Hundreds of students have taken it to the streets, some chanting antinational slogans while others attacking the police using rocks.[8]

Censorship on Facebook

Several newspapers and magazines, such as Free Press Kashmir, Wande Magazine, and Lost Kashmir History, have been censored on Facebook.[9]

2019-20 Jammu and Kashmir lockdown

On August 5, 2019, a security lockdown and communications blackout was imposed to prevent protests during which thousands of people, mostly young men, have been illegally detained in Jammu and Kashmir.[10][11][12]

The lockdown started on 5 August 2019 following Revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir via scrapping of the Article 370 of the Constitution of India, Article 35A of the Constitution of India and the introduction of Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.[13][14] Since 5 August, no foreign journalists have been granted permission from the Indian government to report in Kashmir.[15]

According to a September 6 report of the Indian government, nearly 4,000 people have been arrested and detained in the disputed region. Among those arrested were more than 200 politicians, including two former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), along with more than 100 leaders and activists from All Parties Hurriyat Conference.[16]

The lockdown ended with the resumption of all communication services, allowing 4G and 3G Internet services, in early February 2021.[17]

Censorship on internet

Censorship on internet refers to the restrictions on telecommunication such as broadband as well as mobile internet imposed by the government of India or state administration. In August 2019, the Government of India barred all broadband as well as mobile internet services in the region to prevent the deliberately fabricated falsehood on social media. In January 2020, 2G internet was resumed with no access to social media.[18] Although some cases of COVID-19 infection have been confirmed in the region, authorities continued to enforce the 4G internet ban, preventing people from getting important information about the COVID-19 pandemic and its safety tips.[19] Medical institutions has described 4G ban a risk factor for COVID-19 deaths in J&K, as the information about WHO's guideline on testing and its countermeasures remained inaccessible in the region.[20] Amnesty International also urged government to restore 4G internet in critical situation of pandemic disease.[21][22] Doctors, according to news media, are not able to deal the coronavirus due to non-availability of 4G internet and lack of significant information available online.[23][24] In April - May 2020, Supreme Court of India heard a batch of writ petitions challenging the ban on 4G internet services. J&K administration opposed the plea stating that "the right to access the internet is not a fundamental right".[25] On 11 May 2020, Supreme Court disposed of these petitions refusing the request for restoration of 4G internet services. Court, however, constituted a special committee composed of senior bureaucrats to look into the issue. The committee ironically was composed of the bureaucrats having a major hand in imposing the censorship.

Later development

High-speed cellular internet has been restored across the UT since February 2021.[17]

References

  1. "India: Kashmir social media ban criticised". BBC News.
  2. "Protests in Indian Kashmir". The economist. 8 July 2022. Retrieved 10 June 2012.
  3. "Curbs on media in Kashmir Valley". The Hindu. 10 June 2022. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
  4. Magnier, Mark (8 July 2010). "Kashmir violence: A beating to go with the tea". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 1 August 2010.
  5. Bhat, Aamir Ali. "A year of death, destruction and censorship in Kashmir". alaraby. Retrieved 27 April 2019.
  6. Lakshmi, Rema (18 July 2016). "Authorities in India shut down newspapers in strife-torn Kashmir". Washington Post.
  7. "Frustrations grow over social media ban in Kashmir". USA TODAY. Retrieved 27 April 2019.
  8. "Facebook, Twitter, other social media banned in Kashmir". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 25 April 2019.
  9. "Kashmir: A Hub of Media Censorship". News Click.
  10. "At Least 2,300 People Have Been Detained During the Lockdown in Kashmir". Time. 21 August 2022. Archived from the original on 21 August 2019.
  11. "Kashmir city on lockdown after calls for protest march". The Guardian. 23 August 2022.
  12. "Inside Kashmir's lockdown: 'Even I will pick up a gun'". BBC. 10 August 2022.
  13. "Restrictions eased as Kashmir enters Day 22 of lockdown". The Economic Times. 26 August 2019. Archived from the original on 26 August 2019. Retrieved 15 February 2020.
  14. "No respite in sight as J&K lockdown enters 25th day". The Asian Age. 30 August 2022.
  15. "US Senator Barred From Kashmir as Lockdown Enters 3rd Month". Voice of America. 5 October 2022.
  16. "Thousands detained in Indian Kashmir crackdown, official data reveals". Reuters. 12 September 2022.
  17. 17.0 17.1 As 4G is restored in Jammu & Kashmir, Centre plans another trip for foreign envoys | India News | Zee News
  18. "2G mobile internet services to be restored in Kashmir from midnight". Business Standard India. Press Trust of India. 24 January 2020.
  19. "Kashmir survived without 4G internet for months, with coronavirus, it really needs it".
  20. "Doctors Write Open Letter to PM Modi on 4G Access for Jammu and Kashmir". The Wire. 26 March 2020. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
  21. "Amnesty International asks govt to restore 4G services in Kashmir".
  22. "Mitigate risks of Covid-19 for Jammu and Kashmir by immediately restoring full access to internet services".
  23. "'We'll die like cattle': Kashmiris fear coronavirus outbreak | Kashmir News News | al Jazeera".
  24. "Restore 4G net services in J&K to fight coronavirus: Amnesty International". 19 March 2022.
  25. "4G Internet Services in UT of Jammu and Kashmir". One Law Street. 8 April 2020. Retrieved 12 May 2020.

Further reading