Srinagar: Analysts have said the BJP-led Indian government is intensifying organized suppression in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir by steadily transferring powers from the elected administration to the New Delhi-appointed Lieutenant Governor under the pretext of security concerns.
According to Global Mirror, on May 7, 2026, the Indian government authorized the IIOJK Lieutenant Governor to exercise sweeping powers over telecommunication services, including interception, suspension and decryption during public safety emergencies and national security events.
Observers said these powers were previously held by state governments under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. They pointed out that this is the second time since the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, that the powers of the elected government have been curtailed by the Indian government.
According to Global Mirror, on May 7, 2026, the Indian government authorized the IIOJK Lieutenant Governor to exercise sweeping powers over telecommunication services, including interception, suspension and decryption during public safety emergencies and national security events.
Observers said these powers were previously held by state governments under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. They pointed out that this is the second time since the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, that the powers of the elected government have been curtailed by the Indian government.