The decision followed large scale violence during the by-poll for the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency today which claimed the lives of 7 people in firing by security forces. Dozens of civilians were wounded, while over 100 security personnel were also injured in clashes.
Internet services in three districts of Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal, which the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency straddles, were shut down last midnight as a precautionary measure to prevent floating of rumours by anti-national elements.
Though the ban was to be lifted immediately after today's polling, the authorities decided to extend it across all districts of the valley till conclusion of the polling in Anantnag.