Internet access was cut off in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Ranchi and West Bengal on June 10, after protests against BJP politician Nupur Sharma’s remarks on the Prophet Muhammad took a violent turn, multiple agencies, including India Today and Indian Express have reported. What is happening in Kashmir? Internet was cut off again in the Valley after trouble reportedly erupted in Bhaderwah town when protestors demanding former BJP spokeswoman Nupur Sharma’s arrest allegedly began hurling death threats at a BJP Youth Morcha politician for his support of the former, during a demonstrative rally. The Kishtwar police have registered an FIR in the matter and set up a special investigation team to investigate the case but shut down 2G, 3G and 4G internet services apparently as a precautionary measure. Meanwhile, a curfew was imposed in Jammu’s Kishtwar district, Bhaderwah town and adjoining Doda district, and prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) were imposed in the rest of the Chenab Valley, including Ramban district. What is happening in West Bengal? The state home ministry cut out internet transmission and internet based voice calling in Howrah district under Section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act 1885 and Sub rules 2(1) and 2 (A) of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services Rules (Amendment) 2020. Howrah and its neighbouring areas, Uluberia and Santragachi, had witnessed violent protests since June 9 when anti-BJP protestors blocked the National Highway 6 connecting Kolkata to other major population hubs in the state for…
