New Delhi: The government has decided to ease restrictions on communication in Jammu and Kashmir with landline numbers to be activated soon, ThePrint has learnt. Mobile internet services, however, will continue to remain suspended in the Valley.
Sources in the defence and security establishment have said that relaxation of restrictions — which were imposed Sunday night, hours before the government announced removal of Article 370 and proposed division of the state into two union territories — will be done area-wise and in a phased manner.
People will also be allowed to attend Friday prayers. Strict vigil will be kept on trouble makers and on the Imam’s speech. They also added that Eid-ul-Zuha celebrations will take place in Kashmir on 12 August.
“Section 144 has not been imposed in all areas of Kashmir. Only in selected parts. A decision to remove restrictions in specific areas of Srinagar will be taken later depending on the situation. However, communication modes will be opened,” said an officer.
The sources also pointed out that while Section 144 has been imposed, there is not much restriction on the movement of people and vehicles.
Internet to remain suspended in Kashmir
While broadband connections have been activated in some parts of Jammu, the sources said internet will continue to remain suspended in Kashmir.
“The easing of communication restrictions has already begun. Landlines will be activated first, which will be area-specific. Slowly 2G network services will be rolled out in Kashmir. However, internet will continue to remain suspended for now,” a source said.
The sources also pointed out that Kashmir often witnesses internet shutdown whenever law and order situation is bad.
“This time there was a blanket ban. Even landlines remained dead because there was a fear that miscreants could use various communication modes to ignite violence in the wake of the government’s announcement,” said another source.
It was felt that the government’s decision would provoke unrest but a shutdown and heavy deployment of troops have helped prevent any untoward incident or agitation by locals.
There were sporadic accounts of stone pelting but no major incident has taken place. Although the situation remained peaceful in Kashmir, security agencies predict that violent incidents might take place later. But they are confident that those will be handled efficiently.
Also read: Security measures in Kashmir get tougher to prevent trouble during Friday prayers and Eid
Amazing play (dirty games) by the govt….. Making fools to everyone…the press meet by chief secretary sate of j&k that landline will be restored and the UN speech to reference the chief Secretary….
I as a responsible senior citizen of India humbly appeal to all our countrymen “Never get carried away by anyone that speaks against abrogation of article 370 and 35A”. The countrymen have paid the price for wrong executive decision of the then ruling people. Enough is enough. The people of Kashmir has all along been nourished and provided amenities and cheapest living and burden has been born by countrymen. Now is the time they earn their living rather be burden to the countrymen. The politicians in Kashmir made the people poor and encashed the special provisions for themselves. All politicians in Kashmir are.living lavish life is evidence of fact. If people of Kashmir allowed to sell property to anyone they could have fetched high revenues and become rich and lived in prosperity. Now is right time for the people of Kashmir to rise and make money. More industries more tourism shall mean rich Kashmir with better job. Please educate the.positive effects of changes. We are always one nation one country so why special status that alineates the State from rest. Please don’t spread roumers and negative thoughts. Some disgruntled members of our society have challenged the legality of abrogation in Supreme Court. Let the SC decide the right or wrong. Till then let us maintain peace and work for the betterment of people of Kashmir as brothers and sisters and help them rise above politics.
Totally agree. Very responsible comment. Hope many country men, including Kashmiris get this.