Bangla Press Desk: Internet access has remained severely restricted in Pakistan-administered Kashmir for more than 100 days, disrupting businesses, students and everyday life, Al Jazeera reports.
Mobile data and broadband services have been suspended since June, when protests calling for electoral reform erupted in the territory, the Qatari broadcaster said.
Staggered elections were later held over three rounds, with the final phase taking place on Aug 10, but the partial internet shutdown has continued despite the formation of a new government.
Access to websites and apps used for online banking remains unavailable, affecting business activity across the region.
The shutdown has also disrupted the academic year, with the government postponing entrance exams.
The partial internet blackout has continued since Jun 5, according to NetBlocks, an independent organisation that monitors internet shutdowns.
What Triggered The Protests?
The unrest began in the lead-up to local elections scheduled for Jul 27.
Kashmir is a disputed region fully claimed by both India and Pakistan. Pakistan-administered Kashmir is governed under a semi-autonomous system, with its own prime minister and legislative assembly.
The assembly has 45 seats in total, including 12 reserved for refugees from Indian-administered Kashmir who live in other parts of Pakistan.
On Jun 5, authorities banned the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC), a grassroots umbrella organisation that had demanded the removal of the 12 reserved seats in the legislature.
Authorities imposed the internet shutdown the same day and cracked down “violently” on protests, culminating in deadly clashes on Jul 27.
Residents and local estimates put the death toll at more than 50, including seven law enforcers, although the figures could not be independently verified, Al Jazeera said.
Voting did not take place in some protest strongholds for security reasons.
The government, however, was formed based on election results from the rest of the autonomous region.
