Internet suspension sans approval was necessary: ACS Home

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 24: The Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary) Home Department, RK Goyal has clarified that suspension of the internet in Rajouri and Poonch districts without prior approval was “absolute necessity” in the interest of “sovereignty and integrity of the country.”
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu Zone being the Authorized Officer under the temporary suspension of telecom services (public emergency or public safety) Rules, 2017, had issued directions to the telecom services providers (TSPs)/Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to suspend mobile data (2G/3G/4G/5G) and public wi-fi facility services in Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu Province with effect from December 23, 2023 to December 24, 2023.
A decision to suspend the mobile data and public wi-fi facility services was taken keeping in view the possibility of misuse of the data by anti-national elements/miscreants for deteriorating the public order in the districts.
“Now, therefore, upon consideration of the various aspects, as brought out in the material provided by the Authorized Officer, I, Financial Commissioner (ACS) Home, being satisfied that there was absolute necessity for issuance of the directions by the Authorized Officer, without obtaining prior approval of the Competent Authority, in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, and for maintaining public order,” read an order issued by RK Goyal, Financial Commissioner (ACS) Home.