Sushil Kumar Modi defends internet shutdown in Kashmir valley

PATNA: Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi said it was not for the first time that internet and communication services were shut down in terror-torn Kashmir.
The Centre stopped the internet and communication services in Kashmir from August 5 after abrogation of Article 370 and withdrawal of the Article 35A to prevent the occurrence of terror activities and stone pelting in a special situation that had come about there, SuMo said, adding that it was also meant to snap the communication link of the terror elements with their Pakistan-based operatives.
SuMo was addressing a workshop organized for the Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers sponsored by the Centre here. He said the extraordinary situation had been created in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 and withdrawal of Article 35A.
He said stopping internet and communication services is the standard administrative practice and policing measure to prevent the spread of rumours in any area that is suddenly hit by riots, tension and communal violence.