Mobile internet speeds in Jammu & Kashmir will continue to be restricted to 2G, even as the coronavirus pandemic unfolds in the territory, and a petition asking for 4G restoration remains pending in the Supreme Court. The J&K administration, which falls directly under the Central government, said there is no other alternative but to continue with speed restrictions, and ordered that 2G mobile speeds continue for at least two weeks i.e. until May 11. The order, made by principal secretary Shaleen Kabra, cites a "spurt in terrorist violence", misuse of internet by "anti-national elements". Even though mobile internet is restricted to 2G speeds, the J&K administration has suspended all wireless data services on at least 11 different days across five districts. April 27: Suspended in Kulgam district from 9:30 pm to 6 pm [Editor: the next day], following an encounter in Guddar area in Kulgam April 25: Suspended in Kulgam district and police district of Awantipora from 4:45 am to 6 pm. This was following an encounter in Goripora in Awantipora. April 22: Suspended in Anantnag district from 8 am to 6 pm, following the same encounter in Shopian April 21-22: 2G suspended in Shopian district from 11:15 pm on April 21 until 6 pm the next day. This was following an encounter in Melhora village in the district. April 18: 2G internet suspended in Shopian district from 6:45 am to 5:30 pm April 11: Suspended in Kulgham district from 2:30 am to 5:30 pm April 10: Suspended in Kupwara district from…
