Internet blockade hits M.tech aspirants in Kashmir

The M. tech students in Kashmir are not able to fill forms of national level GATE exam due to unavailability of internet connections in the valley.

Srinagar:The Master of Technology (M.Tech) aspirants across Kashmir are one of the worst hit by the clampdown in internet connections in valley. With the blockade continuing, students are not able to fill forms of national level Graduate Aptitude Test Engineering (GATE) exam.

Moreover, the aspirants who approached the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Srinagar to fill the form are also not getting any assistance from the administration.

Speaking to ETV Bharat, Mohsin, a student from NIT College, said, "Students from remote areas went to college to fill online forms. But there is no internet facility in the campus. We are given offline forms and the administration asked us to go to other state or place where internet connection is available."

"Around 10,000 students in Kashmir need to fill the form, but there is no support from the administration," another student said.

The last date to submit the forms is September 23.

Several restrictions were imposed in Jammu and Kashmir last month after the government modified some provisions of Article 370. However, the administration is lifting restrictions in a phased manner.

The landline telephone services have been restored in most places across the valley in view of the improving situation.

The mobile services and internet, including BSNL's Broadband and private leased-line internet, remained snapped since 5 August after the Centre announced its decision of modification in Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370 of the Constitution and reorganised the state into two Union territories.