Doda/Jammu, September 16, 2025 :2G mobile internet services were restored on Tuesday in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district after being suspended for a week. The suspension followed violent protests triggered by the PSA detention of sitting AAP MLA Mehraj Malik on September 8. Life in the region is now gradually returning to normal, though many residents continue to face challenges due to limited connectivity.
Low-speed 2G connectivity was reinstated in the early hours of Tuesday, enabling basic online activities. However, local residents report continued difficulty in accessing essential services like online banking, government portals, and e-commerce platforms due to the bandwidth limitations of 2G networks.
Authorities had earlier restored broadband internet services and lifted restrictions under Section 163 BNSS in most parts of the district last Sunday. Educational institutions reopened on Monday after nearly three weeks of closure.
Feroz Ahmad, a resident of Doda, stated:
“We welcome the restoration of 2G services, but they are insufficient for crucial activities such as mobile banking and accessing government services, which are increasingly dependent on stable internet connectivity.”
Ahmad further emphasized the compounded difficulties caused by heavy rains and flash floods between August 26 and September 6, followed by restrictions after MLA Mehraj Malik’s detention, worsening the situation.
Residents also highlighted growing hardships due to ATM shortages and long queues at banks. They demanded immediate restoration of 4G mobile internet services to ease public suffering.
Doda Senior Superintendent of Police, Sandeep Mehta, assured gradual easing of restrictions and restoration of mobile services but issued a stern warning:
“We will take strict action against social media users uploading provocative videos or spreading fake news with the intent to disturb peace.”
Mehraj Malik, also the president of AAP’s J&K unit, was detained for allegedly disturbing public order, triggering protests that led to prohibitory restrictions and a total cut-off of internet services in the district.
As normalcy slowly returns, the public awaits full restoration of high-speed services to resume essential online activities without disruption.
