Internet services restored in Leh

SRINAGAR: Mobile internet services were restored in Leh Thursday night more than two weeks after its suspension following protests that erupted in the district on September 24.

As per the statement issued by district magistrate Romil Singh Donk, normalcy had been fully restored across Ladakh with “uninterrupted internet access, smooth functioning of educational institutions, and resumption of public transport and other civic activities”.

The administration also issued an order to prohibit fake news and stated anyone found indulging in the creation, sharing, or forwarding of fake news, messages, rumours, or misinformation shall be liable for "strict legal action" under relevant provisions of law.

Donk has directed all social media group administrators to monitor the content shared in their groups. "They shall also turn on 'admin-only' control of WhatsApp groups. This order is issued ex parte in the interest of public safety and to maintain public order," the order states.

On September 24, police and paramilitary forces allegedly opened fire on protesters demanding Sixth Schedule status and statehood for Ladakh after demonstrations turned violent, killing four people and injuring more than 70. After the violence, authorities in Leh imposed curfew-like restrictions, suspended mobile internet, and arrested more than 60 people.

Political groups welcomed restoration of services but reiterated their demand for the release of all detainees, including environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, and called for an impartial judicial inquiry into the firing. “It is good news for the people of Ladakh as internet services have been restored after constructive deliberations between civil society and the UT administration to ease tensions,” said Sajjad Kargili of Kargil Democratic Alliance .