Internet suspension in Kashmir illegal, says Indian Supreme Court

NEW DELHI: The Indian Supreme Court on Friday has ruled that it was unconstitutional to shut down the internet in the disputed territory of Kashmir Valley in criticism against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.

As the New Delhi earlier had enforced a communications lockdown in August after it decided to withdraw the autonomy of the Muslim majority region, aiming to control the unrest.

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While The Indian Supreme Cort said that a permanent internet suspension is a violation of the telecommunications laws of the country and directed the authorities in occupied Kashmir to revisit all curbs within a week.

For the first time since August on Thursday, foreign diplomats visited Indian-occupied Kashmir (IoK), but certain European nations and others refused to go after being denied permission to travel independently.

The crackdown in August triggered international criticism, and diplomats from several countries believe they expressed concerns with foreign ministry officials over human rights in occupied Kashmir.

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Foreign observers, including diplomats, rights groups and journalists, have strict control of entry to the region. Foreign envoys are rarely allowed to travel outside of Srinagar’s main city in Kashmir, and since August, foreign journalists have not been allowed to visit in occupied Jammu and Kasmir.