Administration in jammu and Kashmir on Thursday ordered that 2G mobile data services will continue to be in force in 18 out of 20 districts of the Union Territory till November 26. The authorities cited apprehension about misusing high-speed internet to cause disharmony during the district development council as well as panchayat elections.

Shaleen Kabra, the Principal Secretary of the Home Department issued an order on Thursday night saying that high speed data services will be available only in Udhampur and Ganderbal districts. The internet speed will be restricted to 2G in other parts of the UT, the notification said.

“Postpaid SIM-card holders shall be provided Internet access. However, the same facility shall not be made available on prepaid SIM cards unless verified according to norms applicable for postpaid connections,” the home department said in its order.

Fixed-line Internet connectivity with mac-binding shall be available, it added.

The notice also stated that these directions will remain in force until November 26, and will be enacted with immediate effect.