Hundreds of journalists in Kashmir cluster around only building with internet access during government blackout

Hundreds of journalists in Kashmir cluster around only building with internet access during government blackout

Around 300 Kashmiri journalists crowded into the only building in the north Indian state that can access the internet during an ongoing blackout put on by the government.

The Media Facilitation Centre in Srinagar operates only nine computers for reporters from across the state to work with, who each are only allow 30 minutes of internet access to manage their work.

Footage filmed on January 3 shows soldiers shoving people outside the building, while the interior is crowded with journalists waiting on computer access.

Some reporters in remote locations have even resorted to sending reports via pen drive to this building in order to have them published online.

The state of Kashmir was put under internet blackout on August 5, 2019 following a controversial bill that revoked the state's autonomy.

Firdous Qadri, a photojournalist based in Srinagar commented: "It's unfortunate that the authorities are barring journalists from performing their activities,"