Media moves PCI over J&K Net ‘gag’

People shout freedom slogans as they carry the body of Nasir Shafi during his funeral procession on the outskirts of Srinagar. (Photo: AP)

Journalists in Kashmir sought Press Council of India's intervention for lifting a “gag” imposed by authorities by snapping Internet facilities, saying it was a “serious infringement” of freedom of expression and right to information.

The demand came on a day when thousands of angry demonstrators defied curfew on Saturday to attend the funeral of a schoolboy whose body was found riddled with pellets, sparking clashes with security forces across the restive region. The death took the toll to 83 in a spiral of violence sparked by militant Burhan Wani’s encounter killing on July 8.

"An unprecedented situation has emerged since September 12, as the state decided to snap all Internet services after suspending mobile telephony. This undeclared gag has left journalists completely grounded," said a joint letter from four working journalist organisations in Kashmir.

Photo and video journalists were the worst hit, as they were unable to send pictures or videos, they said. About 11,500 civilians have also been wounded in 10 weeks of violence.

Broadband Internet services of BSNL in Kashmir would be restored on Saturday night after remaining suspended for five days, an official said. The services were snapped on the eve of Eid-ul-Zuha on September 12 in view of the apprehensions of law and order problems.

Mobile telephony services, excluding the post-paid connections of BSNL, were also snapped across the Valley at 4 pm on the same day. However, there was no word on the restoration of such services. Mobile Internet remains suspended in the violence-hit Valley since July 10, two days after the unrest broke out.