MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Internet services have started to be restored in Muzaffarabad and surrounding districts late Wednesday after 54 days of shutdown, a few days before the second phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, scheduled to be held on August 2.
As per details, internet services have been restored in Muzaffarabad, Jhelum Valley, and Neelum districts.
The restoration has brought relief to residents who had been facing prolonged disruptions since the evening of June 5 ahead of a planned long march by the banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).
The prolonged shutdown had severely disrupted commercial activities, banking services, e-commerce, freelancers, and online transactions.
According to the administration, internet services will gradually be restored across all remaining areas of the division.
Earlier last week, internet was restored in Mirpur division ahead of the first phase of the election held in Mirpur, Bhimber and Kotli districts on July 27.
‘Temporary suspension of internet’
Yesterday, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government announced the temporary suspension of internet services across the state, citing the “prevailing security situation.”
The notification issued by the Home Department stated that “mobile internet (mobile data) and broadband internet services” will remain temporarily suspended across the region from 11:30 PM tonight to August 5 to maintain law and order and protect public interest.
“All concerned institutions, telecommunication companies and the public are requested to make prior arrangements for essential matters during this period,” the notification stated.
