J-K government lifts ban on social media in Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir home department had on April 26 banned 22 social media sites for a months including Facebook, Whatsapp and Twitter, in an attempt to curb the street protests in the Valley.

A month-long ban on 22 social media sites and applications, including Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter, in Kashmir was lifted by the Jammu and Kashmir Home department on Friday.

Masked Kashmiri protesters chase Indian policemen during a protest in Srinagar on May 26. (AP Photo)

Access to the banned social media sites was restored around 8.30 pm, an official said.

Jammu and Kashmir home department had on April 26 banned 22 social media sites and applications, including Facebook, Whatsapp and Twitter, in an attempt to curb the street protests in the Valley.

However, the ban had little meaning as users accessed the banned sites through virtual private networks.