SHAFAQNA- Post paid mobile services on BSNL network were restored in Kashmir Valley around 12 pm on Monday. The move comes over two months after mobile phone services were suspended in the valley after the Centre’s August 5 move to strip Jammu and Kashmir of its special status.
The ban on prepaid mobile connections and internet services will continue, although the states’ principal secretary of planning, monitoring and development, Rohit Kansal, had said on Saturday that “internet facilities are being opened” at tourist spots.
According to officials, there are around seven million mobile phone users, and nearly four million of them have post-paid connections, according to hindustantimes.
Security forces have said they are taking all precautionary measures ahead of the restoration of the post-paid phone service.
News agency Asian News International (ANI) quoted unnamed security sources as saying that they will strictly monitor hate mongers spreading rumours with the local police keeping an eye on fake news and messages.
The move comes barely days after the Centre issued an advisory opening the valley for tourists. Travel association bodies had approached the administration, saying that no tourist would like to come to the valley where no mobile phones working, news18 reported.
Kashmir’s been under an inhuman lockdown for over 2 months now. Yet state admins taking half hearted steps just to stave off international pressure such as restoring only post paid mobiles.