SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- The ongoing internet gag in restive Indian-controlled Kashmir Monday entered fiftieth-straight day.
According to telecom officials, the suspension of mobile and broadband internet service in the region is the longest ever communication blockade so far.
"Today the suspension of internet service here would be completing 1,200 hours," an official said. "So far this is the longest ever communication blockade."
The blockade was imposed earlier on Aug. 5, hours ahead of the Indian government's decision to abolish special status (guaranteed under Article 370 of Indian constitution) to Indian-controlled Kashmir. The move stripped the region of its separate flag and constitution.
Fearing backlash against the decision, authorities imposed an unprecedented communication blockade by suspending telephone, mobile phone and internet service in the region.
Though telephone service was restored earlier this month, however, the two main means of communication, internet and mobile phone, continue to remain shut.
Indian-controlled Kashmir is currently under India's direct rule. Authorities are tight-lipped over the restoration of internet and mobile service in the region.
