Jammu & Kashmir: Postpaid Mobile Services Resume From Today

All network and landline connections were suspended across Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, in view of security concerns in the region following Centre's decision to abrogate Article 370.

People gather to make calls at a makeshift phone booth set upped by Indian security forces outside a camp during a lockdown in Srinagar on September 3, 2019. (Photo by Tauseef MUSTAFA / AFP)

New Delhi: The mobile phones with postpaid services, irrespective of the telecom operator, became functional in the Kashmir valley from Monday midday, after months of being suspended following the revocation of Article 370 which granted special status to the erstwhile Indian state. There was a general sense of relief among the people around 12 noon when parents, relatives and friends started seeking welfare from each other after remaining cut off for over 70 days. "Having reviewed the situation, a decision has now been taken to restore mobile phone services in the remaining areas of Jammu and Kashmir. All postpaid mobile services, irrespective of the telecom operator will stand restored and be functional from 12 noon, Monday, October 14, 2019. This will cover all 10 districts of Kashmir province," Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir had said on Saturday. All network and landline connections were suspended across Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, in view of security concerns in the region following Centre's decision to abrogate Article 370.

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. 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. (with inputs from ANI)