Pakistan-administered Kashmir Faces 100-Day Internet Shutdown Amid Deadly Protests and Elections
· World · Al Jazeera, India Today
Internet access has been completely restricted in Pakistan-administered Kashmir for over 100 days, since June 5, disrupting mobile data, broadband, and online services like banking and education. The shutdown followed violent crackdowns on protests demanding electoral reform, including the banning of the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JKJAAC) and deadly clashes on July 27 that left at least 50 dead, though exact figures remain unverified. Elections were held in three rounds, concluding on August 10, but the shutdown persists despite the formation of a new government. Businesses, students, and residents continue to face severe disruptions, with entrance exams postponed and banking services inaccessible. The region, governed semi-autonomously with 45 legislative seats, remains a flashpoint amid unresolved tensions over its disputed status between India and Pakistan.
Why it matters
The prolonged internet shutdown cripples daily life for over 7 million residents, crippling businesses, education, and governance, while the death toll from crackdowns underscores the escalating violence. The unresolved political demands and persistent restrictions signal deepening instability in a disputed region with direct implications for India-Pakistan relations.
Read the original report — Al Jazeera
Join us on Telegram
Breaking news the moment it lands. At 10,000 members we ship the Android app.