Jammu And Kashmir Administration Asks Govt Employees To Return To Work Immediately

The order comes amid an unprecedented security cover and several restrictions in the Valley over the past three days in the wake of abrogation of provisions of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

Jammu: Security personnel stand guard during restrictions, in Jammu, Monday. Photo: PTI- File

NEW DELHI: The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Thursday asked all government employees to return to work immediately, PTI quoted an official spokesperson as saying. The order comes amid an unprecedented security cover and several restrictions in the Valley over the past three days in the wake of abrogation of provisions of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. According to the directions issued by the chief secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, all the government employees who are working at divisional and district levels and in the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar, have to report back to their duties with immediate effect. The order said the administration had made the necessary arrangements for providing the employees a smooth and secure working environment. For any assistance, the employees can contact the office of deputy commissioner and regional transport office, Jammu, at 2571616, 2571912 and 2520542, the spokesperson said. Kashmir has been on lockdown since Sunday and all communication services in the region have been blocked, including cellular network, landline, mobile internet, and broadband connectivity. Meanwhile, in view of the tense situation in Kashmir and upcoming Eid festival, Srinagar District Magistrate Shahid Choudhary on Thursday announced helpline numbers for residents of Jammu and Kashmir living outside for assistance in travelling back home and contacting relatives in Kashmir. "DC Office #Srinagar has established two helplines 9419028242, 9419028251. Residents/Students outside state can contact. Families back home are also using these lines to reach out," he tweeted. Choudhary also said that for passengers in transit, 'langars' have been set up, and accommodation and transport arranged. "Special trains/coaches from Udhampur/Jammu have been coordinated in view of large number of workers including those going home on Eid. DTM Mr Chetan coordinating. +919797532910," he added. "Workers intending to visit homes in other states are being facilitated. 56 buses carrying 1940 passengers moved yesterday. More today," Choudhary said in another tweet. He said more than 300 vehicles are pressed for the movement of students from various districts of Kashmir, Jammu, Ladakh and outside the region. (With inputs from agencies)