Srinagar:
High-speed internet services in Rajouri and Poonch have been restricted ahead of the Rajya Sabha’s anticipated approval of the Jammu and Kashmir Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023. This bill, already ratified by the Lok Sabha, aims to incorporate the Gadda Brahmin, Koli, Paddari Tribe, and Pahari Ethnic Group into the region’s Scheduled Tribes list. Following Lok Sabha’s endorsement, the bill awaits presentation in the Rajya Sabha.
In a bid to maintain law and order, mobile internet services have been suspended, and internet speeds have been curtailed. Guftar Ahmed, a local social activist, expressed discontent, questioning the necessity of internet shutdowns and restrictions when decision-makers believe in the righteousness of their choices. Ahmed highlighted the adverse impact of diluting the Scheduled Tribes status on the Gujjar Bakarwal Community of Jammu and Kashmir, suggesting that the BJP’s actions have severely affected this marginalized group.