Jammu & Kashmir is approaching a year of not having unfettered internet access, with the home department ordering that 2G internet speeds will continue at least until July 27. Internet was shut down in the region on August 4, when the state's special status was stripped and it was bifurcated into two union territories. While a complete internet shutdown was in place for seven months until January 2020, when the government began 'whitelisting' a few hundred websites, on 2G speeds. Access returned to all websites in March 4, but have been throttled to 2G ever since. The union territory has lived through the entire pandemic with 2G internet, something which the administration suspends routinely as well, especially in the Kashmir valley. In June alone, 2G internet services has been suspended on multiple occasions across districts. Internet shutdowns in June Internet, voice, SMS suspended in Awantipora: On June 18, 2G data was shut down in Awantipora district from 4:30 am, following an encounter in Meerj Pampore village leading to the killing of 3 "terrorists" and recovery of arms and ammunition. By 1:20 pm, voice and SMS services were suspended in the district as well. Voice & SMS was restored after 24 hours at 11:15 am on June 19, and 2G data was restored at 7:40 pm. Another order by the J&K home department says voice & SMS services were suspended in the afternoon at 1:20 pm. 2G data was also suspended in Pulwama district from 9:30 am on June 18 until…
