Kashmir authorities had suspended all internet services to deal with the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant commander Burhan Wani. He was killed in a gunfight with the government forces on South Kashmir's Kokernag area.
Ever since the day of the suspension, many people demanded the restoration of internet services.
Businesses and public sector services across Kashmir were badly hit, especially those that rely on prepaid 2G and 3G mobile internet service. And because of the restriction, education, banking, trading, travel, manufacturing and other services that depend on internet connectivity were also affected.
Internet service on fixed landline connections was restored a month later. Then the restrictions across the Valley, including curfew, was lifted on November 19th. This include mobile internet access on postpaid numbers.
For prepaid numbers, the authorities restored their internet connection after the government saw an improvement in the situation. This happened six months after the gunfight.
Kashmiris have accepted that communication is just another one of the many freedoms that the government can take away from them. In a place where internet grows to more areas, people in Kashmir are getting used to the restrictions.
In Kashmir, mobile and internet bans are a routine part of life. Every Independence Day, every Republic Day, every time there is the possibility of resistance, the government blocks channels of communication, fearing for terrorists or explosions triggered by mobile devices. Cell towers themselves have also became a site of conflicts.
In Burhan Wani's case, the commander was popular among the Kashmiris due to his activity on social media where he advocated against Indian rule in Kashmir.
While internet services were restricted, services that use state-run BSNL phones were not suspended.
