2001 Parliament attack accused Afzal Guru. (File photo | EPS) 
India

On Afzal Guru's death anniversary, internet snapped in Kashmir to maintain law, order

The authorities had restored 2G internet services in Kashmir on January 25, more than five months after snapping all communication facilities in the valley following abrogation of Article 370.

Fayaz Wani

SRINAGAR:  Kashmir observed a shutdown on the seventh death anniversary of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru on Sunday, with authorities suspending 2G mobile internet and imposing restrictions in parts of downtown Srinagar and some areas of Sopore in north Kashmir to maintain law and order.

The day passed of peacefully with no untoward incident reported from anywhere in the Kashmir Valley, the police said. Shops and business establishments in Srinagar and other parts of the Kashmir Valley remained closed today.

The weekly flea market also did not assemble responding to the bandh call given by separatist outfits. Public transport was off the roads, and only a few private vehicles and those of security forces were seen on the roads. 

Authorities in the morning suspended 2G mobile internet service, which was restored on January 25 after there was a complete internet blockade in the Valley on August 5 last year after the Centre scrapped Article 370 and bifurcated of J&K into two Union Territories.

But it was restored at around 5 pm on all mobile networks. As a precautionary measure, authorities also imposed restrictions in parts of downtown Srinagar.

Police and CRPF were deployed in strength in the downtown areas of Srinagar and in Sopore in north Kashmir, the home town of Afzal Guru. Armoured vehicles were deployed at entry and exit points in sensitive areas. 

Jensen Huang built the company that powers AI. Now Nvidia must find a way forward without him

Sharad Pawar faces internal revolt over possible NCP merger with BJP-led NDA

Agri sector grew over 4% annually for first time since Independence; 50 cr people overcome poverty: PM Modi

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang resigns amid affair, China spy allegations; CFO Colette Kress named interim chief

Owaisi backs Chandrashekhar Azad for UP chief minister's post, vows to stop BJP's third term