210 days of shutdown: ‘A desolation called peace’ reset

Citizens Against Hate

SUMMARY

November 23, 2023

This report covers the impacts of the internet shutdown imposed by the Indian Government in Kashmir beginning in August 2019.

Topics: detentions, communications, Internet restrictions, businesses, economy, education, policymaking

Terms: Section 107 of the Criminal Procedure Code, Public Safety Act (PSA), habeas corpus, J&K High Court, Mian Abdul Qayoom, Article 19, Unlawful Activities Prevention ACT (UAPA), Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Kashmir University

ARTICLE PREVIEW

Where detentions initially were informal or under minor charges, these have now been formalised, and brought under draconian regulations.
Kashmir has experienced the world’s longest internet shutdown in a democracy. A petition challenging the shutdown in the Supreme Court delivered in August 2019, as adjudicated only in January 2020. The court recognised that the right to internet access is a fundamental right.
Core sectors of the J&K economy witnessed a steep decline after the abrogation of Article 370.
Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has stated that the present disruption has resulted in loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs. It is estimated that till December 2019, the economy of Kashmir lost an estimated Rs. 179 billion.
The continuing internet blockade has severely affected college and university students. College students and scholars have not been able to take competitive exams, publish papers, or apply for grants.

Link to Original Article