Mobile phone bells have started ringing in Jammu and Kashmir after about 70 days. More than 40 lakh mobile phones of the valley have become active since Monday afternoon. All these phones are using postpaid services. The state government had decided to lift the ban on postpaid services two days ago. Mobile postpaid services were restored from Monday.
The government has decided to start calling on postpaid mobiles at present. People will have to wait a few more days for mobile internet. With this, a decision on prepaid service will also be made later.
Mobile phone services and internet facilities were discontinued in Kashmir as a precaution after the repeal of Article-370 giving special status to Jammu and Kashmir on 5 August.
Although mobile phone services were available in Jammu and Ladakh region during this period, they have been banned in the Kashmir Valley since August 5.
Speaking to the media in Srinagar, state government spokesperson Rohit Kansal said, "After improving the overall situation in the valley, it has been decided to allow post-paid mobile phone services to be restored from Monday morning."
However, no official statement has been released on the restoration of internet facility. Internet services are also closed in the valley from 5 August. The restoration of mobile phones will provide relief to professionals, students, businessmen and the common man.