SRINAGAR, India — As the coronavirus pandemic began to spread last year, charities in Indian-administered Kashmir lacked a key tool that was available to most others in the country – high-speed mobile internet.
The Indian government had instituted an internet shutdown after its decision on Aug. 5, 2019 to end Kashmir’s semi-autonomous status.
The internet blackout eased in some places last year and by the time high-speed mobile internet was restored statewide on Feb. 5, it was the longest shutdown in India’s history.
“Even sending a message on WhatsApp was impossible, not to mention uploading photos or videos on social media,” said Bilal Khan, …
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