Kashmir’s digital economy revives as internet shutdowns fall
In 2025, the region has so far recorded 11 internet shutdowns, a fraction of the levels seen in the immediate post-2019 period
Munaza, a woman entrepreneur and founder of Zayaan Organics, heads a growing line of organic skincare products. She runs her business entirely online, drawing a strong customer base not only from across India but also from overseas. Thanks to the seamless internet service.
“It was not possible a few years ago due to frequent and protracted internet outages”, Munaza said.
Like Munaza, hundreds of young entrepreneurs across Jammu and Kashmir are now building online ventures — from clothing and crafts to food processing and digital services — leveraging better connectivity to reach markets far beyond the Valley.
Qazi Touseef, spokesperson of Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) told businessline that seamless internet access post 2019 has positively impacted local businesses in Kashmir.
“Improved connectivity has enabled traders, artisans, start-ups and service providers to access wider markets and streamline their operations”, he said.
Touseef said that the digital shift has not only increased revenues but has also created new employment opportunities, especially for youth and women.
Internet outages have fallen sharply in recent years after peaking in the aftermath of 2019 when the Central government stripped the region of its special constitutional autonomy, according to data compiled by digital rights group SFLC.in, marking a shift in conduct of trade and commerce. This boosted e-commerce and local online businesses in Jammu and Kashmir.
The data shows that shutdowns began rising from 2017, when at least 32 disruptions were imposed, as authorities increasingly turned to network suspensions during episodes of unrest.
The number climbed further in 2018 and surged in 2019 to 55 shutdowns following abrogation of article 370 and 35-A, triggering widespread security clampdowns.
Restrictions intensified in 2020, when Jammu and Kashmir recorded 116 internet shutdowns, the highest annual figure on record.
While the number remained high in 2021 at 79 shutdowns, it marked the beginning of a gradual decline, with fewer and shorter suspensions reported in subsequent years.
That downward trend became more pronounced after 2022.
The data shows that shutdowns declined further in 2023 and again in 2024, 14 and 2 respectively, reflecting what analysts describe as a more calibrated approach that balances security concerns with economic activity and digital access.
In 2025, the region has so far recorded 11 internet shutdowns, a fraction of the levels seen in the immediate post-2019 period.
“An improved security situation has reduced the number of internet outages”, said Shahnawaz Hussain, a political analyst.
He said there had been a sharp decline in both encounters and stone pelting incidents, prompting security agencies to scale back communication restrictions.
As connectivity stabilizes, business groups and entrepreneurs say Kashmir’s digital economy is slowly gaining ground with many hoping the trend will hold.
Published on December 29, 2025
