2G mobile internet services restored in 4 other districts of Jammu

Almost two weeks after clampdown, authorities on Saturday restored the 2G mobile internet services in four other districts of Jammu. The four districts are - Samba, Kathua, Reasi, and Udhampur. With this, the total number of districts where people can use the mobile internet has increased to five. Earlier, the services were restored in Jammu district. 

Internet services remain suspended in all other districts of Jammu and Kashmir following scrapping of Article 370. While people in Jammu are being able to make phone calls, the   telecom services are still suspended across Kashmir valley. 

According to authorities, mobile and internet services will be eased and restored in a phased manner.  Meanwhile, schools and colleges in Kashmir, which has been placed under complete clampdown since August 4, will reopen from Monday.

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"Schools will be opened after the weekend area by area. Government offices are functional from today. Telecom connectivity will be gradually eased and restored in a phased manner," Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam said on Friday. 

Kashmir was placed a under a total clampdown on August 5, hours before Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced in the Rajya Sabha that the special status for the state had been revoked. 

Twelve districts in Jammu and Kashmir out of 22 were functioning normally while there was limited night-time restrictions only in five districts.

Addressing the media in the Valley's principal city, the Jammu and Kashmir chief secretary said, "We have prevented any loss of human life despite concerted efforts by terrorist organisations, radical groups and continuing efforts by Pakistan to destabilise the situation."

As restrictions on the movement of people are removed area by area, movement of public transport will be allowed in these areas too, the senior official said.

"It is expected that over the next few days as the restrictions get eased, life in Jammu and Kashmir will become completely normal. This is already visible on the roads as the roads are full of regular traffic and we expect to an increase in the coming days," he said.

Preventive detentions, he said, are being continuously reviewed. Appropriate decisions will be made based on law and order assessments, he added.

Subrahmanyam said the administration appreciates the fact that the cooperation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is critical in helping maintain peace and public order.

With PTI Inputs