Post paid mobile connections were restored today in 10 districts of Kashmir – 72 days after the special status of Jammu and Kashmir was lifted on August 5. Along with the abrogation of Article 370 that offered the special status, several restrictions were imposed in the area that included blocking communication system, that the government said were “precautionary” measures.
About 40 lakh post paid mobile connections have been restored, it was reported, but 30 lakh pre-paid connections are still to be put to use again. The net connectivity remains suspended in the valley though, as previously stated by the Jammu and Kashmir’s principal secretary of Planning Commission, Rohit Kansal. The post-paid connections have become operational from noon today.
In Jammu, however, mobile phone connections were restored within a few days and mobile net connectivity was back around mid-August. But following its alleged misuse, communications were again suspended on August 18.
The Centre had taken several stringent measures after lifting Kashmir’s special status granted by Article 370. Massive troops were deployed in the region, local politicians were kept under house arrest or imprisoned, tourists were asked to leave the area and there was a communications blackout that included telephone and internet.
Landline connectivity was restored last month although that didn’t come to much use as the state-run BSNL connections are not very common there. The communication blackout left businesses and essential services affected in Kashmir and led to resentment among residents.
[Image representational]
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