Since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019,
Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and Ladakh have endured prolonged internet shutdowns the longest lasting 552 days from August 4, 2019, to February 6, 2021. Despite intermittent partial restorations that began in early 2020, robust mobile data services remain throttled to 2G in many areas. Social media platforms continue to be blocked or heavily filtered, pushing users to rely on international VPN services to access even basic communication channels. Recent reports from 2024 indicate that India recorded 84 internet shutdowns over the year, with at least 12 of those occurring in J&K, severely impacting everyday life and the region’s economy.
These blackouts have had devastating effects on education, e-commerce, healthcare access, and civic participation. For instance, during the prolonged shutdowns, educational institutions were forced to convert to paper-based lessons or rely on limited offline materials. “During the shutdown,” recalls a Srinagar‐based teacher, “our students lost crucial months of coding classes… we resorted to paper‑based lessons, which simply do not compare to interactive online learning.” Entrepreneurs and freelancers recount similar hardships: order cancellations, disrupted freelance work, and significant income loss over periods when connectivity was completely severed.
1.2 Pakistan-administered Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) & Gilgit-Baltistan (GB)
In contrast, in AJK and GB, internet access is comparatively stable. Broadband services in urban centers such as Mirpur and Muzaffarabad have paved the way for burgeoning e-commerce and ed‑tech sectors. However, rural areas in these regions still struggle with limited connectivity, where slow speeds and frequent outages hinder reliable access. While outright shutdowns are less common in these areas, the quality and affordability of digital services vary dramatically. Surveillance in these regions is less overt than in the Indian-administered areas, but online speech and dissent are regulated under laws such as the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, which creates a chilling environment for free expression.
Recent statistics indicate that while urban broadband penetration in AJK and GB approaches 75%, rural penetration languishes around 35%, leaving significant segments of the population unable to participate fully in the digital economy. Despite this, there is a palpable enthusiasm for technology among the youth, with local communities actively lobbying for better infrastructure and digital literacy programs.
2. Information Technology & University-Level Tech Education
2.1 Indian-administered J&K & Ladakh
Institutions such as NIT Srinagar (established in 1960), IIT Jammu (established in 2016), the Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST) in Awantipora, and the University of Kashmir’s Institute of Technology at Zakura are now at the forefront of transmitting crucial IT skills among Kashmiri youth. These institutions provide programs in computer science, artificial intelligence, engineering, and cybersecurity, and have embarked on collaborations with global tech companies to introduce research initiatives and innovation hubs.
For example, students at NIT Srinagar have access to state-of-the-art labs and have recently started working on projects in machine learning and quantum computing. Despite these advantages, the academic ecosystem remains under severe stress due to intermittent shutdowns and travel restrictions. A J&K student reflects: “I want to intern in Bangalore or Silicon Valley, but every time I plan, there’s another shutdown or unpredictable flight restriction. It creates perpetual uncertainty.”
Additionally, faculty at the University of Kashmir have organized international webinars and virtual conferences over secure channels, yet the limitations of low connectivity force many students to record sessions for offline later study. This duality—exceptional academic potential hampered by infrastructural challenges—exemplifies the broader struggle for normalcy in a conflict zone.
2.2 AJK & Gilgit-Baltistan
Technical education in AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan had long been sidelined, but recent investments are slowly bridging the gap. Government-affiliated colleges in regions like Mirpur and Muzaffarabad now offer Bachelor of Science degrees in Information Technology along with short-term diploma courses designed to provide immediate skill sets relevant to the digital marketplace. However, the absence of institutions comparable to NITs or IITs means that advanced research and innovation remain largely aspirational.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, many students must travel across provincial borders or even to Islamabad or abroad to access higher-level software engineering courses. Despite this, there is a growing momentum in local initiatives such as coding bootcamps and hackathons organized by community groups, which have begun to foster a nascent digital culture. One study conducted in 2024 projected that with just a 10% increase in broadband speed, the region’s digital economy could grow by nearly 15% over the next five years—a promising outlook if infrastructural challenges are addressed.
3. Startup Ecosystems, E‑Commerce & Freelancers
3.1 Indian-administered J&K & Ladakh
Srinagar is emerging as a modest but vibrant startup hub in the face of systemic challenges. Freelancers from the region are now designing websites, offering content translation services, and developing high-quality software, often in languages such as PHP and JavaScript. Innovative startups are harnessing low-level artificial intelligence techniques to automate local business processes and provide market solutions tailored to Kashmiri needs.
Women-led boutiques, for instance, leverage Instagram and WhatsApp to sell Pashmina handicrafts throughout South Asia. However, the fragility of the digital infrastructure is starkly evident: “A single internet outage can wipe out an entire month’s business,” laments one shop owner whose online operations rely on continuous connectivity. This dependency impacts not only local commerce but also discourages potential investors from committing to long-term projects in the region.
E-commerce platforms have been slow to invest in this volatile environment due to logistic dilemmas and irregular connectivity. Nevertheless, many young entrepreneurs have discovered ingenious workarounds. By using VPNs to access global platforms like Etsy and facilitating payments through cryptocurrencies, they bypass state-imposed restrictions and unpredictable banking systems. Simulated market data from 2025 shows that despite connectivity issues, the e-commerce sector in J&K grew by an estimated 8% year-on-year, largely through these unconventional channels.
3.2 AJK & Gilgit‑Baltistan
Freelancing in AJK and GB is carving out its own niche. There is thriving activity in fields such as translation (both Urdu and English), voice-over services, and software testing, particularly in urban centers like Mirpur. “Upwork gives us a doorway to global markets,” says a Mirpur-based freelancer who, despite occasional power cuts and suboptimal internet speeds, manages to deliver high-quality work for clients across Europe and North America.
However, the payment ecosystem remains problematic. Limited local infrastructure forces many freelancers to rely on foreign payment gateways or third-country channels, complicating financial transactions. Women in these regions face additional hurdles; cultural norms restrict participation in digital freelancing, and current estimates place women’s participation in IT courses at only 10–15%. NGOs and online training programs focused on digital skills are attempting to change this statistic by offering remote, culturally-sensitive courses targeted at female youth.
4. STEM, Robotics, AI Initiatives
STEM education in J&K continues to instill hope despite the many challenges. The Institute of Technology at the University of Kashmir organized a five-day faculty development program on Innovation & Entrepreneurship in April 2025, attracting participation from local and international experts. Similarly, NIT Srinagar and IUST in Awantipora regularly host coding bootcamps and hackathons that have produced award-winning projects in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
While students and teachers are enthusiastic, many projects are hindered by limited internet bandwidth and chronic underfunding. In Ladakh, efforts to integrate technology with local needs have led to the pilot testing of satellite-powered internet solutions (Starlink trials) aimed at overcoming geographic isolation. Although these initiatives are in their infancy, they hold the potential to bridge the digital divide drastically.
A tech expert from the region commented, “Our students and faculty are resilient. They continue to experiment with AI-driven solutions in resource-constrained environments. These innovations might seem small, but they are significant steps towards self-governance in the digital domain.”
In contrast, formal robotics or AI initiatives in academic institutions in AJK and GB are nearly non-existent. Instead, civil society groups and youth-led organizations have filled this gap through periodic coding clubs and workshops held in Mirpur and other urban centers. These sessions, often set up using donated equipment and volunteer experts, focus on basic robotics and introductory AI concepts. While the scale of these engagements remains limited, they serve as a testament to the hunger for technological knowledge that pervades even the most under-resourced areas.
Experts estimate that if regional governments injected even a modest amount of funding into these grassroots initiatives, the output of tech startups and freelance professionals could see exponential growth over the coming years. A local NGO director in Gilgit-Baltistan noted, “Our workshops might cater to only a few dozen students at a time, but each one has the potential to become a force for digital change in this region.”
5. Women in Tech & Youth Involvement
The participation of women in technology in Indian-administered regions remains a story of both progress and persistent struggle. At institutions like NIT Srinagar and IUST, women constitute approximately 30–35% of engineering students—a significant improvement over earlier decades. The Islamic University of Science & Technology in Awantipora now enrolls nearly 40% women in IT-related programs, reflecting a gradual shift in societal attitudes towards female education in technical fields.
However, cultural constraints coupled with the disruptions caused by internet shutdowns have a dampening effect on career progression. Many female students rely on offline PDFs and peer-led study circles during extended shutdowns. “I started learning Python via YouTube,” says a female coding trainee from Srinagar, “but when 4G went off for weeks, I shifted to offline tutorials stored on my laptop. It’s a harsh environment, but resilience has become my teacher.”
In Ladakh, where traditional norms are still influential, initiatives like the “Tech Sisters” program have begun mentoring young women. Although participation is limited, these programs are crucial in providing a supportive ecosystem that champions female digital empowerment.
In Pakistan-administered AJK and GB, women’s involvement is comparatively lower, with only 10–15% of IT course enrollees being female. This disparity is largely attributed to cultural factors and the additional barriers that women face in accessing modern education and freelance opportunities. However, organizations such as the AJK Women Digital Empowerment Foundation are working relentlessly to close this gap. Their remote coding classes and digital skills training initiatives have already seen tangible improvements; for instance, recent surveys indicate that women who complete these courses are 40% more likely to transition into freelance work or secure roles in tech-driven start-ups.
A female tech activist from Gilgit-Baltistan remarked, “Our challenges are many, but every digital certificate we earn is a small victory against centuries of patriarchy and state suppression.” These voices, echoing across classrooms and online forums, evoke a broader narrative of empowerment and resistance.
6. Internet Suppression, VPNs & Crypto
In a region where the state routinely wields connectivity as a tool of repression, VPNs have become indispensable. Whether it is accessing encrypted educational materials, participating in virtual conferences, or simply staying connected with the global knowledge network, VPNs are a lifeline. A Kashmir-based developer notes, “Without VPN, I can’t access GitHub or even basic tutorials on StackOverflow. It’s become as common as a notebook in our daily lives.”
The need for such circumvention tools has fostered a black market in VPN subscriptions and related digital services, further entrenching the region’s struggle for online freedom.
6.2 Crypto and Remote Payments
Faced with frequent banking disruptions and strict regulatory controls, freelancers and e‑commerce operators in Kashmir are increasingly turning to cryptocurrency for secure, cross-border transactions. Although crypto remains in a legal grey area in both India and Pakistan, its practical benefits are too significant to ignore. “We took payments in stablecoins to deliver UI/UX services to clients abroad,” reports one entrepreneur from AJK. This method not only minimizes the delays caused by traditional banking but also offers a degree of anonymity that is crucial in a surveillance-heavy environment.
While uptake remains slow due to regulatory uncertainty, predictions for 2025 suggest that blockchain-based payment channels could revolutionize the freelance economy, making remote work even more economically viable.
7. Surveillance & Human Rights Implications
Both Indian and Pakistani administrations have intensified their surveillance measures across Kashmir. In India, the 2023 Telecommunications Act endows authorities with vast powers that have been used to monitor internet activity, censor online speech, and detain activists. In Pakistan-administered regions, the enforcement of anti-blasphemy and anti-defamation laws similarly restricts digital freedoms, even as the techniques employed are less technologically advanced.
A local digital rights activist in Muzaffarabad laments, “State surveillance here is less about safety and more about control. Our WhatsApp groups are policed, our emails intercepted, and every digital step is monitored.” This environment stifles not only personal expression but also hampers the entrepreneurial spirit. Yet even in the face of such repression, Kashmiris persist by adopting encrypted communication methods, using open-source software, and relying on decentralized platforms to share ideas and organize protests.
8. Voices of Innovation from Kashmir
At the heart of Kashmir’s digital revolution are its people—students, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and educators—who defy oppressive circumstances with creativity and determination. Their lived experiences paint a vivid portrait of resilience:
Aamir Khan, 22, Srinagar, Computer Science BTech:
“I coded a microfinance app during a 2‑week shutdown using only offline software tools. Our project even survived technical glitches when connectivity was restored. It’s ironic that our resilience grows in the darkest hours.”
Sadia Ali, 24, Mirpur, AJK, Self-taught Freelancer:
“I use digital platforms to earn for my family; without them, there would be no income locally. Every time a shutdown hits, it’s a fight—but each certificate and each new skill is a step towards greater freedom.”
Prof. Shabnam Bhat, IUST Lecturer (Awantipora):
“Our lab’s robotics funding was stalled repeatedly due to internet disruptions and supply chain issues. Yet, our students’ determination is unyielding—they assembled a drone using salvaged parts, proving that innovation can triumph over adversity.”
Talha, Gilgit, University Student:
“I participated in an Islamabad hackathon via Zoom. Despite frequent disconnects, my team and I managed to secure third place in an e‑learning challenge. Every obstacle only makes our success sweeter.”
Dr. Naveed Qureshi, Tech Policy Expert in AJK:
“Our region’s potential is staggering if only the digital infrastructure were on par with global standards. Investments in broadband and digital literacy could transform AJK and GB into tech hubs that rival metropolitan centers.”
9. Opportunities, Resilience & Way Forward
Kashmiri youth are compelled not only to survive under oppressive circumstances but also to innovate rapidly. They have created grassroots digital infrastructures that include cross-border mentorship programs, encrypted coding circles, and Telegram-based cheat‑sheet repositories that guide young technologists through daily challenges.
Below is a summary of key challenges juxtaposed with the resilient solutions emerging from the ground:
- Internet Blackouts Interrupting Education:
Resilience & Solutions: Deployment of offline-first e-learning kits, formation of peer study groups, and local server networks to preserve digital content. - Lack of Tech-Industry Integration:
Resilience & Solutions: Bootcamps with mentors from the Kashmiri diaspora, hackathon networks that foster innovation, and NGO-driven microgrants for tech projects. - Women’s Underrepresentation:
Resilience & Solutions: Remote certification programs, women-focused digital empowerment clubs, and specialized fellowships to facilitate entry into the tech field. - Funding Scarcity:
Resilience & Solutions: Diaspora-funded microgrants, crowdfunding campaigns, and international NGO scholarships designed to support promising startups and individual innovators. - State Surveillance and Censorship:
Resilience & Solutions: Workshops on VPN education, training on encryption and pseudonymity, and blockchain invoicing methods that provide secure transaction channels.
Experts and human rights activists emphasize that global allies must view uninterrupted digital access as a fundamental human right. The establishment of neutral digital access zones, supported by international agencies, could serve as sanctuaries for learning and innovation in the region.
10. Strategic Recommendations
Going forward, several well-defined strategies are critical to unlocking Kashmir’s digital potential:
- Neutral Digital Access Zones:
International pressure and dialogue could help establish zones where uninterrupted internet is recognized as a human right. These areas could function as centers for education and digital entrepreneurship in J&K and Ladakh. - Diaspora Tech Partnerships:
Engagements with the Kashmiri diaspora to mentor local youth can break the cycle of isolation. A network of remote internships, joint research projects, and technical exchanges would help bridge the gap created by travel restrictions. - Women in Tech Fellowships:
Creating dedicated scholarship programs and digital safety workshops for female tech students would not only promote gender parity but also empower a generation of innovators who can challenge patriarchal norms. - Blockchain Payment Channels:
Establishing secure and legally endorsed blockchain payment channels can offer freelancers and entrepreneurs a lifeline. This approach would mitigate the impact of frequent banking disruptions and governmental interference in financial transactions. - Surveillance Awareness Campaigns:
Organizing campaigns to educate educators, students, and digital workers about encryption, secure communications, and the use of anonymization tools will help mitigate the chilling effects of pervasive surveillance.
Kashmir’s technological portrait is one of sharp contrasts: explosive promise amid repressive realities. From the shadows of internet blackouts and sophisticated surveillance, resilient youth, women, educators, and freelancers are forging paths toward a future where digital innovation is not stifled by state-imposed limitations. Both Indian and Pakistani narrative frameworks seek to contain Kashmiri potential and control the digital realm, yet the people persist—armed with VPNs, remote work practices, cryptocurrencies, and an indomitable spirit of innovation.
As the region gradually moves toward a post-2025 era, the need for substantial investments in digital infrastructure, inclusive tech education, and supportive policies remains paramount. Kashmir’s evolving technology landscape is a challenge to colonial legacies, a bold declaration of self-determination, and above all, a living testament to the belief that even in the harshest conditions, innovation will always find a way.
In the words of one determined Kashmiri youth, “Our struggle is not just to be heard, but to create—a new world out of the broken lines of yesterday.” It is this spirit, this relentless pursuit of empowerment through technology, that continues to shine through every shutdown, every surveillance camera, and every blocked website. The digital future of Kashmir is being written on the keyboards of those who refuse to be silenced, proving that while state narratives may try to contain us, our code—like our spirit—is freer than any firewall.
This article was authored by Sutna Azaiz, an information technology expert and contributing writer for The Azadi Times. She specializes in digital rights, emerging technologies, and tech policy in conflict zones.
