As tension escalates, J&K communication lines taken down to stop rumour mongering

In the wake of rising uncertainty in Jammu & Kashmir following communal clashes in Kishtwar in the Jammu region, Internet connectivity and mobile services have been pulled down in the state.

Officials, who did not wish to be named, said the lines of communication were pulled down to prevent rumours from spreading. Service providers offering services in the state said that such snapping of communication lines has become standard practice during times when tensions simmered high in the region.

Communication snapped! (Image credit: Getty Images)

This fresh development in the valley is reminiscent of the ban that the government had applied on bulk SMSes after the communal riots in the North East, roughly a year ago. At the time even as those from the region continued to flee from their residences to other parts, the government found that the SMS medium had been misused to send hordes of SMSes spreading rumours and misleading information. It was also found that these messages contained fabricated videos and supposed threats to those hailing from the North East.

The clashes that took place in the Jammu region last week claimed 2 lives and left over 20 injured. Communal clashes broke out in Kishtwar on Eid last Friday and later spread to other parts of Jammu including Jammu city and Rajouri.

With inputs from news sources