Jammu & Kashmir L-G says internet will be restored phase-wise but gives no timeline

Thursday will mark four months since Jammu & Kashmir's special status was scrapped and restrictions were imposed to maintain law and order in the region.

First Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Girish Chandra Murmu, inspects the guard of honour on the first day of the re-opening of the Civil Secretariat following the annual 'Darbar Move', in Jammu last year. | PTI File Photo

Srinagar: Internet services would be restored in Kashmir in phases once the situation turns “more normal”, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) G C Murmu said Wednesday.

However, he gave no timeline for restoration of internet services, which were snapped across all platforms in the Kashmir valley on the intervening night of August 4 and August 5.

The Centre announced abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370 of the Constitution on August 5.

“We are reviewing it (internet ban) and as it (situation) becomes more normal, we will do it (restore) phase-wise. We have already discussed it with our administration and we are taking it up,” Murmu told reporters on the sidelines of the passing-out parade of police recruits at the Police Training Centre, Sheeri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

The LG described the situation in the valley post abrogation of Article 370 as “very good”.

“I think the situation is very good, it has improved very well. The police have been doing a yeoman’s service and there is a high level of coordination among all the forces here. People’s participation is very good, they are coming out and are interested in development,” he said.