Local businesses and digital platforms have started flourishing in the wake of a sharp decline in the internet shutdowns over the past two years in Kashmir.
In 2024, as reported by the internet monitoring platform ‘Internet Shutdowns’, Jammu and Kashmir experienced only two instances of internet shutdowns, compared to 10 in 2023. The number of such blackouts was 43 in 2022. According to SurfShark, the region witnessed 79 and 116 shutdowns in 2021, and 2020 respectively.
Impact on business
The reduction in internet shutdowns has allowed local businesses, particularly e-commerce and other digital platforms, to thrive, providing them with uninterrupted access to markets and customers.
Sheikh Samiullah, CEO FastBeetle, a Kashmir based logistics-cum-messenger brand, told businessline that that seamless internet service is crucial for e-commerce platforms.
According to Samiullah, the uninterrupted internet has significantly contributed to the growth of his business. “Our workforce has grown significantly, now ranging between 400 to 450 employees”, Samiullah said.
Sana Aftab, a young Srinagar based entrepreneur, who launched her venture Qohh Wellness Private Ltd in 2023, manufactures skincare and life style products. Aftab sells her products largely online and finds an uninterrupted data services as a lifeline for her business.
“Internet is crucial for all digital business models. It is vital for both companies and their clients ”, she said.
Mohammad Altaf, who ran an e-commerce business from 2009 to 20l4 in Shopian district, an area plagued by frequent internet shutdowns due to recurring gun battles, said that it was really difficult to manage things amidst internet blockades .
“Now, with a seamless internet connectivity, such businesses have flourished over the past few years”, he said.
Protracted shutdowns
The Valley witnessed a protracted internet shutdown following the reading down of the special constitutional position of J&K. The move led to the bifurcation of the region into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh on August 5 , 2019. A low-speed internet (2G) was restored after 173 days on January 25.
Similarly, in 2016, the Valley reeled under a complete internet blockade for over 134 days following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant commander Burhan Wani. The killing triggered widespread street protests resulting in the killing of more than 100 people, spurring the authorities to block the internet services.
“An improved security situation in the Valley has minimised the internet blackouts. Over the last few years, there were only a few occasions when data services were blocked on Republic or Independence day”, said a political analyst, declining to be named.