India restores 4G data service in parts of J&K

Authorities in Indian-administered Kashmir have ordered the restoration of high-speed 4G internet services in two of the disputed Himalayan region's 20 districts on a "trial basis" from Sunday night, more than a year after they were suspended.

"The high-speed mobile data services in the districts of Ganderbal and Udhampur shall be restored forthwith, on a trial basis," a government statement said on Sunday, adding that internet speed would continue to be restricted in other districts.

Udhampur, in Hindu-majority Jammu region, and Gerderbal, in Muslim-dominated Kashmir Valley, have a combined population of 850,000 out of the disputed region's total population of about 12 million.

The "trial" will last until September 8, and high-speed internet will be available on postpaid mobile phones only, according to the government order.

"I will update my phones. This is the first thing I intend to do once it is restored," Sheikh Anees, a journalist based in Ganderbal, told Anadolu news agency.

The internet had been cut off since last August, when India revoked the semi-autonomous status of Kashmir, divided it into two federally ruled territories and imposed a complete lockdown and communications blackout.

Kashmir was without internet for 213 days - the longest shutdown in a democracy - until it was restored on March 4.