Srinagar
The Indian government said Saturday that most mobile phone connections in Kashmir will be restored, easing a security clampdown imposed more than two months ago when the troubled region’s autonomy was cancelled. The decision was taken after a security review in the restive Himalayan region, government spokesman Rohit Kansal told a press conference.
All phones linked to a monthly subscription ‘will stand restored and be functional from noon on Monday,’ he said, adding that the measure would apply to all districts of Kashmir. The New Delhi government ended Kashmir’s autonomy on August 5 and imposed the mobile phone and internet blackout as part of a huge security clampdown. Tens of thousands of extra troops were also sent in an operation that critics said virtually cut off Muslim-majority Kashmir, which has been gripped by an insurgency for the past three decades, from the outside world.
Kansal gave no indication on whether internet services would also be restored. The government, however, on Thursday lifted restrictions on tourists travelling to the region and released three politicians among hundreds of people detained after August 5. Kansal said all those detained would be released gradually after review.
In Indian occupied Kashmir, as the strict military lockdown imposed by the Indian government entered 69th running day, today, the people of Kashmir Valley and Muslim majority areas of Jammu region continue to suffer immensely. According to Kashmir Media Service, Amid suspension of mobile and internet services and absence of public transport, the residents are facing acute shortage of basic items of daily use including food and medicines.
The residents continue to close their shops and business establishments as a silent protest against India. The cosmetic measures like restoration of landline phones by the Indian government have failed to mitigate the hardships of the people. Meanwhile, Indian troops continue the ongoing cordon and search operation in Ganderbal district on 16th consecutive day, today.—APP
