Suspension of telecom services in Rajouri, Poonch: ACS Home confirms IGP’s order

Jammu, Dec 26: Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary) Home Raj Kumar Goyal Tuesday yet again confirmed, retrospectively, the order of Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu zone vis-à-vis “temporary suspension of telecom services” in Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu province on December 25 and 26, 2023.

Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Home said that upon consideration of various aspects, as brought out in the material provided by the Authorized Officer (IGP), he was satisfied that there was “absolute necessity for issuance of these directions by the Authorized Officer (IGP), without obtaining prior approval of the competent authority, in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State and for maintaining public order.”

IGP’s order had mentioned the possibility of mobile data and public Wi-Fi facility services to be misused by anti-national elements or miscreants, thus causing deterioration in public order.

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 Service Providers (TSPs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to suspend mobile data (2G/3G/4G/5G) and public Wi-fi facility 5G services in Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu province with effect from December 25, 2023 (11 pm) to December 26, 2023 (11 pm).

Services were suspended on December 23 after the death of three civilians, who were among those detained by the army for interrogation in connection with the terrorists’ attack on army vehicles near Dehra Ki Gali forests in Surankote.

Since then, mobile internet services have not been restored in the twin border districts.