In recent years, local businesses and digital platforms in Kashmir have experienced significant growth following a marked decline in internet shutdowns.
According to the internet monitoring site ‘Internet Shutdowns’, the region recorded only two instances of internet outages in 2024, a stark decrease from ten in 2023 and 43 in 2022. Prior to that, SurfShark noted that there were 79 shutdowns in 2021 and 116 in 2020.
This reduction in internet blackouts has created an environment where local businesses, especially in e-commerce and various digital sectors, can thrive by maintaining uninterrupted access to their markets and customers.
Sheikh Samiullah, the CEO of FastBeetle, a logistics and messenger service based in Kashmir, shared with Businessline that reliable internet connectivity is essential for e-commerce ventures.
Samiullah noted that the consistent internet availability has played a crucial role in the expansion of his business. “Our workforce has grown considerably, now numbering between 400 and 450 employees,” he stated.
Sana Aftab, a young entrepreneur from Srinagar, who founded Qohh Wellness Private Ltd in 2023, specializes in skincare and lifestyle products. She predominantly sells her items online and relies heavily on stable internet services, referring to it as a lifeline for her business.
“The internet is vital for all digital business models. It is essential for both the companies and their customers,” she emphasized.
Mohammad Altaf, who operated an e-commerce business in the Shopian district from 2009 to 2014 during a time of frequent internet shutdowns due to ongoing conflicts, recounted the challenges of managing a business amidst such disruptions.
“Now, with stable internet connectivity, businesses have significantly prospered over the recent years,” he remarked.
The region had endured prolonged internet shutdowns following the revocation of its special constitutional status, which led to the division into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, on August 5, 2019. A low-speed internet service (2G) was reinstated after 173 days on January 25, 2020.
Similarly, in 2016, the area suffered a complete internet blackout for over 134 days following the death of Hizbul Mujahideen militant commander Burhan Wani. His death sparked widespread protests, leading the authorities to impose a ban on internet services.
A political analyst, speaking anonymously, noted, “An improved security situation in the Valley has resulted in fewer internet blackouts. Over the last few years, there have only been a few instances where services were interrupted on Republic or Independence Day.”
