Adil Latif
SRINAGAR, Sept 26: The celebrations of Eid-ul-Adha continued in full swing across the Kashmir valley but the internet shutdown by State authorities drew flak from majority of citizens while today the web ban was extended up to Sunday afternoon.
The netizens can’t work upto tomorrow afternoon as the authorities have decided to continue ban on internet by 2 pm tomorrow. Confirming this, IGP Kashmir S J M Jeelani told Excelsior the ban on internet services has been extended up to 2 pm tomorrow.
Traditionally, the Eid-ul Adha, which is also called Bakra Eid in Indian sub continent as selected animals are sacrificed to please the almighty and to invoke the practice of Prophet Abraham is celebrated for three long days in the Valley.
During the course of celebrations, people distribute meat of sacrificed animals among their relatives, friends and neighbors. They also visit the houses of their relatives and friends while children are given “Eidi by elders”. The children have their own way to celebrate the Eid. They burst crackers, buy toys, throng parks, wander with their friends and enjoy swings.
After the introduction of Internet services in the Valley it turned out to be a blessing for people in many ways. They could easily connect with their family members, friends and relatives who are living in other States and countries. However, on this Eid there is no internet in Valley as the authorities ordered telecommunication companies to shut down the services fearing escalation of already prevailing tension over beef ban in the State.
The majority of the people have decried internet shut down by Government and have expressed their anguish over the move. The vocal critics argued that the Government move has disconnected them with their dear ones on auspicious occasion of Eid and they were unable to greet them. Interestingly, there were many who welcomed the Government move, saying “it was in the interest of the people”.
“My son is working in Riyad city of Saudi Arabia and every week we talk over skype twice. His mother, who often remains ill, feels relieved when she sees him through skype. It is absolutely irresponsible move on the part of the Government to block internet and that too on the occasion of Eid”, said Ghulam Mohammed a garment shop owner.
Though the Government has banned internet several times in pat five years to contain tensions of different sorts but it never blocked web on Eid. However, this time, the Government unlike past not only blocked mobile internet but also broadband. The worst sufferers of broadband internet blockade were reporters, camera persons and photographers working for various media organizations. On Thursday evening when the Government announced banning of internet on Eid days, the netizens also fumed and slammed the move.
Notwithstanding what majority says, there were many takers for the Government move and appreciated it. “It was wise decision to ban the internet. The situation could have turned from bad to worse and ultimately people had to bear the brunt”, a female engineering student, Hafsa told Excelsior. Seconding her, a Government employee imtiyaz Ahmed said “why to ruin peoples celebrations by violence? The Government’s move of internet ban was good. Let people enjoy”.
In the meanwhile, another top police official told Excelsior on condition of anonymity that the Government has decided to extend the ban on internet till Sunday 2 pm. He said the authorities don’t want to take any risk viz-a -viz situation. Barring few incidents of stone pelting after Eid congregations yesterday, the situation across the Valley remained peaceful today and people are busy in festival celebrations.
Follow our WhatsApp channel