For the second consecutive year, the authorities in Kashmir didn’t snap mobile and internet services as part of security drill during R-Day in Kashmir Valley. On both the occasions, there was governor’s rule in the state.To thwart any possible attacks during the parade, the authorities since year 2005 used to snap mobile and internet services on August 15and January 26. The services used to be restored only after official celebrations got over.However, both mobile and internet services functioned smoothly during the R-Day function last year as well as this year. Most of the people in the region were surprised by the government’s move, who otherwise prepare themselves for the inconvenience.
During the I-Day last year, with PDP-BJP government in power, the internet and mobile service remained suspended until the official functions were over. In 2005, militants triggered, according to reports, had triggered a blast outside Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar during I-Day parade. To avoid further such attack, the authorities curtailed mobile services during the functions post-2005.Apart from these two occasions, the authorities since year 2008 have several times curtailed internet and SMS services in the region following anti-India protests. (GNS)