Past

Regional shutdown

mobile Internet, public WIFI

Poonch and Rajouri District

Local authorities ordered mobile Internet and public WiFi services to be suspended in Poonch and Rajouri District of Jammu Province, India, on 7 February  from 00:10 to 23:30 local time to prevent misuse of these services by 'anti-national elements/miscreants, which may cause deterioration in public order.' According to reports, this action was taken following the government of India’s decision to grant Scheduled Tribe status to Paharis, Padari, Koli, and Gadda Brahmins for reservations in the Union Territory. Internet shutdowns during protests or civil unrest impact the citizens' ability 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 other countries.
  • Total Duration 23 hours

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Freedom House rates Internet freedom as Partly Free

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Local impact

Local authorities ordered mobile Internet and public WiFi services to be suspended in Poonch and Rajouri District of Jammu Province, India, on 7 February  from 00:10 to 23:30 local time to prevent misuse of these services by 'anti-national elements/miscreants, which may cause deterioration in public order.' According to reports, this action was taken following the government of India’s decision to grant Scheduled Tribe status to Paharis, Padari, Koli, and Gadda Brahmins for reservations in the Union Territory. Internet shutdowns during protests or civil unrest impact the citizens' ability 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 other countries.

Related documentation

Screenshot of government 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.

Social media

Indian occupied Jammu & Kashmir Internet has been shutdown in Naushera, Rajouri, Poonch, Talar & rest of areas of occupied land as a result of massive protests that have erupted by Indian state illegally granting fake tribal status to Paharis, Padari Tribes, Koli & Gadda Brahmins — Bharwana (@pain___killer) February 7, 2024

Media coverage