SRINAGAR: Mobile internet services of all cellular companies, including BSNL were suspended for security reasons in many areas of north Kashmir, where three foreign militants were killed by security forces in an encounter on Monday morning. A woman was also killed after she was hit by a bullet inside her house near the encounter site.
Officials said the authorities have directed all cellular companies to suspend mobile internet services in Kupwara, Handwara, Sopore and Baramulla in north Kashmir to prevent spread of any rumour on social media. But, suspension of the facility has led to more rumours.
Three foreign militants were killed by security forces in an encounter on Monday morning at Unsoo of Handwara in Kupwara.
The authorities have in the past also suspended internet services on several occasions in the valley, claiming that social media was used to instigate protests.
However, the government has come under severe criticism over it from all sections of the society in the valley, besides the Press Council of India (PCI).
The mobile internet services for post-paid connections was suspended for about five months last year, following violence triggered by the death of HM commander Burhan Wani on July 8 last year.
Similarly, mobile internet services for prepaid connections were restored in Kashmir on January 27, six months after they were suspended. (AGENCIES)
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