After two weeks, Internet, landline services partially restored in Jammu and Kashmir

The landline services have been restored 17 telephone exchanges in Kashmir after about two weeks of communication shutdown in the valley ahead of the bold move by the government to abrogate Article 370 and 35A.

Telephone services have been restored in Budgam, Sonamarg and Manigam areas of central Kashmir. In north Kashmir, the services have been restored in Gurez, Tangmarg, Uri Keran Karnah and Tangdhar areas.

In south Kashmir, the landline services have been made operational in Qazigund and Pahalgam areas.

Mobile internet service is also been restored in five districts in the Jammu region, although just the 2G internet network is working. The mobile internet service has been restored in Jammu, Reasi, Samba, Kathua and Udhampur. Various photos were uploaded on social media from Udhampur after the internet services were restored on Saturday.

The state of Jammu and Kashmir is under an unprecedented security cover after the government of India ended the special status given to the state and divided the state into two Union Territories on August 4.

About 400 political leaders in Kashmir are under detention including two former Chief Ministers of the state. Former IAS officer Shah Faesal was also detained in Srinagar when he was trying to go to Istanbul on August 14.

The administration of Jammu and Kashmir said that the government offices are functioning in the area. Schools will also reopen by next week and telecom services will be restored in phases, Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam said on Friday.