Kashmir cut off: why internet bans are bad for democracy

When angry protests broke out after security forces shot dead charismatic Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8, the Jammu and Kashmir government promptly blocked mobile internet services in the region. The move, as always, was apparently to prevent the spread of dangerous rumours and incitement to violence through social media. Twelve days later, large swathes of Kashmir — the Valley as well as the Jammu region — continue to be cut off from the internet. Violence was not prevented, though — police firing has claimed 43 civilian lives so far. What has been prevented is people’s access to information and their right to free speech.

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