'My First Tweet From Kashmir': Messages Flood in From Valley After Seven Months

On March 4, many people from Kashmir tweeted for the first time after August 5, 2019, when the Centre scrapped Article 370 of the Indian constitution and shut down all channels of communication in the Valley.

This tweet is brought to you from my desktop, from my office, after seven months. #Kashmir

— Naveed Iqbal (@NaveedIqbal) March 4, 2020

The administration of the union territory issued an order allowing internet access with 2G speed without any restrictions. Earlier, the government had issued a 'whitelist' of websites that could be accessed in Jammu and Kashmir.

Internet services would also be available on landline connections, but users will be granted permission only after verification.

According to India Today, the new order shall be applicable only till March 17 on an "experimental basis". However, there will still be some restrictions. For instance, internet speed shall be restricted to only 2G and pre-paid SIM users will be able to access internet only after undergoing verification.

For the past seven months, many were accessing social media sites through VPNs. As soon as the internet was restored, many took to Twitter to post messages of joy, grief and hope.

My first tweet from #Kashmir outside of govt set media centre & without using a VPN. Have nothing exceptional to say except that tweeting so comfortably from home feels unreal.
Also, is anyone else in #Kashmir finding it unnerving/weird to get continuous updates on whatsapp?

— Azaan Javaid (@AzaanJavaid) March 4, 2020

Hello from kashmir guys. Heard that India has been kashmirised, great to hear that.

— Ishfaq (@Erishfaqdar) March 4, 2020

After enduring a seven month communications blackout, full Internet services are restored in Kashmir.

But the Indian military’s human rights abuses, including indefinite detention, torture, fake encounter killings and rape, will continue.

— CJ Werleman (@cjwerleman) March 5, 2020

My mother last tweeted on 5th August post abrogation of Article 370. Today as I tweet for the first time from Kashmir post decriminalisation of social media, Im swept by saudade & painful nostalgia.
Will we ever heal? When will this nightmare end?

— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) March 4, 2020

Saw many people calling their loved ones but was struck when I saw two people sitting at a table in a Srinagar restaurant video calling each other after their whatsapp began to work. They were excited and everyone around them smiled. What a tragic scene it was though. #Kashmir https://t.co/o5DsQB8FxZ

— Azaan Javaid (@AzaanJavaid) March 4, 2020

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