Jammu, Authorities in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir have cut off internet services in the districts of Rajouri and Poonch as the Indian Parliament prepares to approve a contentious bill that aims to include upper caste Pahari people in the Scheduled Tribe list.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the Jammu and Kashmir Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which seeks official recognition for the Pahari ethnic group among others as Scheduled Tribes, is slated for presentation in the Rajya Sabha today, after being passed by the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. In response to the bill’s advancement, mobile internet services were completely suspended, with officials citing concerns over potential law and order disturbances as the reason for the drastic measure. Additionally, the movement of politicians in the region is being closely watched to curb protests against the legislation.

The decision to suspend internet services comes amid mounting opposition from Gujjar and Bakerwal activists, who argue that the bill unfairly allocates reservation benefits to upper castes at their expense. This opposition has led to intensified protests in recent days, with tribal activists urging the Indian government to retract the bill, which they claim seeks to dilute the political influence of the Gujjar and Bakerwal communities.

Local social activist Guftar Ahmed expressed his dissent on X, questioning the need for internet suspension and restrictions if the authorities believe their decision is justified. He criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for undermining the status of the Gujjar Bakarwal Community in Jammu and Kashmir by altering the Scheduled Tribe status.

The enactment of the bill and the subsequent suspension of internet services highlight the ongoing tensions in the region, reflecting broader concerns over the allocation of reservations and the impact of legislative changes on traditional community rights.