4G internet connection being restored across Jammu and Kashmir after 18 months of shutdown

The internet services were snapped to prevent any untoward situation after the Centre revoked the former state's special status on Aug 5, 2019.

The newly formed Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir was put under internet shutdown for the longest period in any democratic country.

"4G mobile internet services being restored in entire J&K @diprjk," Jammu and Kashmir administration's official spokesperson tweeted.

Over the last year, broadband internet and slow mobile data were restored in phases after the Supreme Court directed the government to do so while hearing cases that called such curbs are assaults on free speech and democratic rights.

Last August, the government told the Supreme Court that 4G internet services will be allowed on a trial basis in one district of Jammu and one of the Kashmir Valley after the Independence Day.

The shutdown was extended in the rest of the places multiple times.

According to the administration, mobile internet services were shut down in order to stop the spread of rumours and misinformation after the Centre's move to revoke the special status and bifurcate the state two union territories - Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Welcoming the authorities' decision to restore 4G internet connections, former J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah tweeted: "4G Mubarak! For the first time since Aug 2019 all of J&K will have 4G mobile data. Better late than never."