Internet Speed Curbs Disrupt Net Banking Across Valley
Cashless Users Struggle as Mobile Data Restrictions Continue
Srinagar, Mar 3, KNT: Mobile internet speed restrictions imposed across the Valley for the past three days have severely disrupted net banking and digital payment services, leaving customers and traders grappling with mounting inconvenience.
With reduced internet speed affecting mobile data services, phone-based banking applications and online payment gateways have become largely inaccessible. Customers attempting to make digital transactions reported repeated failures, delays and session timeouts, resulting in stalled business activities in several markets.
Many people, particularly those accustomed to carrying minimal cash and relying entirely on online transactions, said they were facing immense hardship. Shopkeepers informed that digital payment modes such as UPI and mobile banking apps were either not functioning properly or taking unusually long to process transactions.
Travellers and tourists visiting the Valley also reported difficulties in making hotel payments, booking transport and purchasing goods due to poor connectivity. Several visitors were seen searching for ATMs amid limited cash availability in certain localities.
The administration had restricted mobile internet speed following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, citing the need to curb the spread of misinformation on social media platforms. Officials have maintained that the measures are precautionary in nature.
While essential services remain operational, the slowdown has significantly impacted routine financial transactions, with traders urging authorities to review the restrictions at the earliest to restore normalcy in business operations. [KNT]
© Kashmir News Trust (KNT). Unauthorized use without attribution is prohibited.
![PCC Asks DC Pulwama to Shut Down Illegal Brick Kilns, 18 Brick Kilns Face Regulatory Violations, 7 Listed Without Consent Pulwama, Aug 8, KNT: Pollution Control Committee has asked Deputy Commissioner to shut down illegal brick kilns in South Kashmir's Pulwama district. The latest status of brick kilns operating in south Kashmir's Pulwama district has revealed serious regulatory concerns, with 18 units listed either without consent, with expired Consent to Operate (CTO), or under a “Refused” status. The status details show that seven brick kilns are listed as operating “Without consent”, indicating that the units do not have the required regulatory consent to operate. The seven units are Dar Brick Kiln (415) at Alliepora Shahoora, LBK changed into Bhat Brick Kiln (151) at Nownagri Pulwama, Kamran Brick Kiln 777 at Parigam Newa, Budshah Brick Kiln at Audoora Pulwama, JKB Sanzan (151) at Astapora Sanzan, 417 Brick Kiln changed into 7HH at Achan Litter Pulwama, and Five Star Brick Kiln at Wahipora Pulwama. The list further shows eight brick kilns with expired CTOs, meaning their consent to operate has lapsed. These include Hilal Brick Kiln, Allie Brick Kiln, Bashir Ahmad Magray, Sunflower Brick Kiln, Jalal Brick Kiln, Magray Brick Kiln, Thoker Brick Kiln (A-No) and Shahoorа Brick Kiln (ATM). Another three units have been marked “Refused” in the consent status. These are Mir Brick Kiln at Hastikhud Zadoora Newa, Gulmour Brick Kiln at Tumchinowpora and Dar Brick Kiln at Tumchinowpora. The status as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust also contains brick kilns holding valid CTOs, indicating that the regulatory violations are not uniform across the district. The findings assume significance in view of the Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee's direction to the Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama, to initiate action against brick kilns operating without the requisite permissions and in violation of environmental regulations. The presence of multiple units with expired or refused consent, besides those listed without consent altogether, raises serious questions over their continued operation and the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement in the district. The concerned authorities are now expected to verify the operational status of these units and take action against those found functioning without valid statutory consent. [KNT]](https://newsagencyknt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Brick-Kiln-390x220.jpg)
