The ongoing internet gag that started on August 5 in the wake of revocation of Article 370 is turning out to be the world’s second longest communication gag. The ongoing clampdown has given second slot as far as longest internet gags across worldwide is concerned. According to wire service—Kashmir News Observer KNO, the online platform internet shutdowns in Kashmir will soon take over the second slot, which is presently held by Darjeeling, West Bengal, India.The website highlights the top three places where internet remained suspended for the longest haul. As at present the first place on longest internet gag is being taken by Kashmir, India whereas the second place is taken by Darjeeling, West Bengal, India and similarly the third place is taken by Kashmir again due to the ongoing internet clampdown.The government spokesperson Rohit Kansal justified the ongoing internet gag in valley by saying that, “there are fears that Pakistan might misuse the internet in Kashmir to foment trouble. While he was confronted with a question by a journalist at a presser, “Pakistan will be there always. When has government ceded its authority to Pakistan over the issue?”Kansal fumbled in his response. Ultimately, after facing a volley of queries on the unprecedented internet gag in the Valley, he winded up the interaction, saying: “This too shall pass.”
While the suspension of the internet services is not new in Kashmir, which stands on the top list on the frequent internet shutdowns. In the year 2016 the valley witnessed an internet gag of about 133 Days from 8th July to 19th November, 2016 as due to the agitation caused by the killing of Burhan Wani on 8th of July, 2016.The mobile internet services were suspended for 133 days while mobile internet services of postpaid numbers were restored on November 19, 2016. The mobile internet services for prepaid subscribers were resumed in January, 2017, which implies that the valley faced longest internet gag in the world.Similarly, the second largest inter services suspension was observed in Darjeeling, West Bengal. The order for the suspension of internet services was promulgated on 18th June, 2017 due to the agitation for a separate Gorkhaland. Two days later on, 20th June the order of suspension was extended to the broadband services as well effectively shutting down the entire internet services. With such extension orders on internet services the Darjeeling witnessed 100 days of internet shutdown. (KNO)