Center suppressed relevant documents related to Internet ban: Kashmir Times editor

Editor of Kashmir Times Anuradha Bhasin has alleged that the Government of India has suppressed relevant orders, documents and circulars concerning the internet and communications shutdown in Jammu & Kashmir.

New Delhi:A senior journalist has alleged that the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir administration have "suppressed" from the Supreme Court the relevant orders and notifications related to communications shutdown and internet blockade in the Valley.

Kashmir Times Executive Editor Anuradha Bhasin, one of the petitioners challenging communication blockade in Kashmir, has alleged in her rejoinder that the government has suppressed notifications, directions, documents and circulars regarding internet and communications shutdown in Kashmir.

Bhasin's affidavit states that the centre has "filed evasive pleadings to avoid a determination on the constitutionality of the relevant orders while emphasizing situations of the past rather than the present."

The affidavit also says that as the government claims that terrorism and militancy have reduced in the valley, there is no need to have apprehensions about a disturbance in peace and order.

SG Tushar Mehta appearing for the government had said that in the court, justifying the shutdown, that in 2016 after killing of Burhan Wani there was a blockade for 3 months.

A bunch of petitions challenging the communication shutdown are listed for hearing on 16th October. Although postpaid mobile services are restored in the valley today.