With this step, tourists will be able to visit the state without being handicapped by the lack of phone connectivity, students can be in touch with parents while attending schools…
Agencies
Srinagar, October 14:
Postpaid mobile network services are to be restored today at 12 noon in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, after more than two months of restrictions on communication. The step is being seen as a major step in the gradual easing of curbs placed in the valley following the abrogation of Article 370 of Indian Constitution, which ended the special status accorded to the state, on August 5, 2019. The government had earlier fully restored landlines and the connections are functioning for over six weeks now.
The postpaid mobile networks were supposed to resume on Saturday, i.e. October 12 but were delayed following the officials’ conviction to ensure the fact that sufficient security measures were in place before the curbs are to be lifted. Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir, said in a statement on Saturday, “Having reviewed the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, a decision has been taken to restore mobile phone facilities in all the remaining areas of Jammu and Kashmir. More specifically, all post-paid mobile phones, irrespective of the telecom service provider, will stand restored and be functional from 12 noon on Monday, 14 October 2019. This will cover all 10 districts of Kashmir province.”
Following the announcement by the Jammu and Kashmir administration, however, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti slammed the central government by saying, “state admins [are] taking half hearted steps just to stave off international pressure such as restoring only post paid mobiles.” She asked, “How many post paid mobiles will even be working since bills haven’t been paid since Aug?” Mufti followed up her remark by saying that the suspension of mobiles and internet services have “crippled the economy” and heavily lambasted the authorities for the curbs since, she said, “Let’s not forget access to internet is a fundamental right. Cannot be taken away arbitrarily & indefinitely”.
The administration also stated that with this step, tourists will be able to visit the state without being handicapped by the lack of phone connectivity, students can be in touch with parents while attending schools, businessmen can be in touch with customers, transporters can contact clients, and contractors can be in touch with staff.
As mobile phones are the most preferred way for hate mongers to spread lies, local police will also keep an eye on fake news, messages created to ignite any kind of unlawful activity in the region. According to sources, there will be strict monitoring on hate mongers and deployment of extra forces will be done at strategic locations to avoid any unlawful gathering called to disturb law and order situation in the Valley. The additional security measures come in the backdrop of inputs which report that Pakistan-backed groups are attempting to disrupt law and order in the state by spreading rumours.
Although the landline network was restored in phases, restrictions remained on the usage of mobile devices in various parts of the Valley. Kansal, on Saturday, had said that landline facilities have been fully restored in the region and mobile services are also back in some parts. “Telephone landlines have been fully restored, and have been functioning for over six weeks. Mobile services were restored in Jammu, Ladakh and subsequently in Kupwara,” the Principal Secretary had said.
Restrictions on movement have been removed in 99 per cent of the areas in Jammu and Kashmir, Kansal informed. “Since August 16 there has been a gradual removal of the restrictions and by the first week of September most restrictions were removed, barring 8-10 police stations movement restrictions have now been completely removed. Over 99 per cent of the area of Jammu and Kashmir has absolutely no restriction on movement,” Kansal told reporters.
The decision to restore mobile phone services comes days after Jammu and Kashmir Governor announced the withdrawal of security advisory for tourists from October 10.
The administration had also said that tourists desirous of visiting the region will be provided with the necessary assistance and logistic support.
As normalcy started returning, postpaid mobile phone services were resumed in five districts – Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Rajouri and Poonch – of the Jammu region on August 29.
Phones connectivity in the Valley was suspended by the central government as a precautionary measure keeping in view the abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, which granted special status to the region. The Centre also bifurcated the state into two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh — which will come into being on October 31.
