Regional shutdown
Mobile Internet Services
Jammu and Kashmir
Internet services were suspended in Shopian and Pulwama districts in Indian on 30 December 2020. It is believed to have been imposed under Section 144 of the Indian Penal Code, which allows the government to impose curfews and other restrictions in order to maintain public order. Internet shutdowns during protests or civil unrest impact the ability of citizens to get accurate information from government sources when they need it most. It also becomes harder for citizens to contact family members and friends in other parts of the country, or in other countries.
- Total Duration 6 days
India
- Population
- 1,463,865,525
Freedom House rates Internet freedom as Partly Free
Local impact
Internet services were suspended in Shopian and Pulwama districts in Indian on 30 December 2020. It is believed to have been imposed under Section 144 of the Indian Penal Code, which allows the government to impose curfews and other restrictions in order to maintain public order. Internet shutdowns during protests or civil unrest impact the ability of citizens to get accurate information from government sources when they need it most. It also becomes harder for citizens to contact family members and friends in other parts of the country, or in other countries.
Related documentation
Official Evidence: According to the Order No. 146(TSTS), the shutdown was mandated to prevent the misuse of data services following security operations in the Lawaypora area. This measure affected the districts of Shopian and Pulwama to maintain public order.
Other supporting information
It’s difficult to measure the effect of local/regional Internet shutdowns as most measurements are done at a country level. Learn more