Mr Jibran Gulzar's plan to launch an online food delivery business in Kashmir four years ago was met with incredulity.
The troubled region faces regular internet shutdowns, and traffic is often disrupted, sometimes for hours, by military convoys or VIP motorcades.
Longstanding territorial claims on Kashmir by both India and Pakistan have resulted in decades of armed clashes between Indian security forces and militant groups backed by Pakistan, along with frequent public protests, including stone pelting.
The authorities use internet shutdowns to clamp down on everything from protests to militant attacks.
A seven-month internet ban, which was part of a communication blockade, in August 2019 prevented Mr Gulzar from renewing his passport, thwarting his plans to head to London to get a master's degree in computer science at Trinity College.
India mandated the communication blockade following the revocation of Article 370, which had granted special status to the region.
This story is from the October 26, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
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This story is from the October 26, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
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