The BSNL administration had reportedly sacked two of its employees after it was revealed that they had played a pivotal role in granting an Internet link to separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani during the communication blackout enforced by the government in Jammu and Kashmir.
As per the reports, it came to the notice of authorities that Geelani had access both landline and broadband after the Hurriyat leader was found using social media to spread misinformation.
#Breaking | ‘Pak dalals’ identified & suspended: BSNL suspends 2 employees after it was revealed they were instrumental in providing internet link to separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani in spite of J&K Govt’s communication ban; it was revealed after Geelani tweeted from his account. pic.twitter.com/EolIrzCPsh
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) August 19, 2019
In the aftermath of the abrogation of Article 370, a communication clampdown was instituted by the government to prevent the state from sliding into chaos. Kashmiri politicians such as Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti were put under house arrest and held incommunicado but it was later found that Geelani had internet access till August 8.
Investigations are underway to determine how Geelani was able to access the Internet while the communication links were snapped throughout the Valley. BSNL has plugged in the loopholes in the department and suspended 2 officers responsible for providing Internet access to the separatist leader.
