New Delhi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent defense of the prolonged internet shutdown in Jammu and Kashmir, describing it as a necessary “governance strategy,” has ignited a wave of criticism. Opponents argue that the measure, which lasted over a year, not only infringed on human rights but also aimed to quell dissent within the troubled region.
According to Kashmir Media Service, during a media interview in New Delhi, Modi asserted that the shutdown was essential for maintaining peace and stability in the territory. Nonetheless, this rationale has faced sharp rebuke, with detractors condemning the approach as an excessive measure that significantly impeded the fundamental rights and freedoms of Kashmir’s residents. The extended internet blackout, one of the longest globally, severely restricted access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and communication, viewed by many as an attempt to silence the ongoing struggle for self-determination by Kashmiris.
Critics have raised concerns about the implications of Modi’s justification for democratic values in India, emphasizing that internet access is a fundamental right in the modern digital era. The extensive duration and scope of the shutdown are seen as a disproportionate governmental response to security concerns.
The stance of the Indian government has not only diminished the trust and confidence of the Kashmiri people but has also drawn international scrutiny. Numerous global voices are calling for the cessation of dissent suppression and the restoration of full internet services in the region.