While internet is a boon, it also comes with its demerits. Imagine how easy it would be for the enemy to influence young minds for a cause that does not even exist and coerce them into spoiling their lives and careers. 
One quick search on Google with the word ‘Kashmir’ and we get multiple results criticizing the internet shut down after the Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s death. Most pro – left NEWS agencies have been critical of this move in Kashmir. However, it is easy to sit in comfortable Delhi offices and type away to the glory. Only the ones who are in the thick of the things really understand what really happens in that place. I am writing this sitting in a small village in South Kashmir.
For day, there is night; for light, there is darkness; for good, there is evil. It is a known fact that the militant activities in Kashmir have always been funded by neighbouring countries. There are innumerable examples of how the equipment, arms and even the food items carried by militants’ bear markings of Pakistan. Hence, it may not be wrong to say that causing unrest in the Valley is always a win-win situation for some agencies in the said country. It is noted that often stone – pelting or commonly called ‘patthar – baazi’ activities have also been sponsored by these anti national elements. In the midst of these clashes, the serene image of Kashmir is irrevocably tarnished. At the same time, the youth get misguided and often land up in jails or gets hurt due to the defensive methods used by Jammu & Kashmir police.
In modern day and age, the social media is a boon for a number of activities. Studies, recreation, socializing and many more routine activities are now dependent of the internet availability. Within seconds, we may connect with our friends and family sitting on the other side of the planet. While it is a boon, it also comes with its demerits. Imagine how easy it would be for the enemy to influence young minds for a cause that does not even exist and coerce them into spoiling their lives and careers.
The government agencies had solid information that the death of the Hurriyat leader would be used to cause unrest in the otherwise peaceful Valley. It is known that the emotions can often be channelized into negative reactions in this part of the world. .
For once, think from the point of view of the poor parents, whose son would get misguided and would commit unlawful acts simply because one ‘WhatsApp’ text asked him to do so. He would throw everything away and be misguided to the path of violence.
When we talk to the locals over here, we realize that they are in fact grateful for the internet outage that lasted barely for two days. Tourism continued as it was, no act of violence was committed and people went about their daily chores, as they should have. The Kashmir Valley has a history of internet outage at the slightest inkling of unrest. However, since the abrogation of Section 370, this was the first and the only internet outage. We all hope for a day when even this will not be necessary. Till then, the locals are relieved instead of hassled that their families are safe and on the path to development.
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