Restrictions lifted in 99 pc of J&K
   Date :13-Oct-2019
 
SRINAGAR:
 
RESTRICTIONS on movement of people have been lifted in ‘over 99 per cent’ areas of Jammu and Kashmir, State Government spokesperson Rohit Kansal said on Saturday. Speaking to reporters here, he asserted that the curbs were necessary to prevent ‘externally-aided terrorists’ from disturbing peace in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of abrogation of the State’s Special Status under Article 370 in August. He also said that the cases of those who were detained, including political leaders, were being reviewed by the Government for their release. Kansal said that there was a gradual lifting of restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir since August 16 and most curbs were lifted by the first week of September.
 
“Barring eight to ten police stations, movement restrictions have now been completely removed. Over 99 per cent of the areas of Jammu and Kashmir have absolutely no movement restrictions,” he said. He said tourists are welcome to visit the State and the Government would facilitate their visit. Internet facilities are being opened at tourist spots to assist those who would want to access it, he added. The Government spokesperson said that the imposition of restrictions ensured that no lives were lost to terrorism. “In the light of important constitutional changes that were made in relation to J&K in August 2019, a number of restrictions were imposed from August 4 in order to prevent externally-aided terrorists from disturbing peace and inflicting casualties on civilians,” Kansal said.
 
The spokesperson said it is well established that there have been sustained attempts from across the border, in the past and more so in the last two months, to promote militancy in the state to create a sense of fear among the people. Postpaid mobile phone services to resume from Monday in Kashmir: In A major step towards easing the 69-day lockdown in the Kashmir Valley, authorities on Saturday announced that some 40 lakh postpaid mobile phones will become operational from Monday noon.
 
The announcement was made by J&K Principle Secretary and Spokesman Rohit Kansal. However, over 20 lakh prepaid mobile phones, and mobile and other Internet services will remain deactivated for now. “Having reviewed the situation in J&K, a decision has been taken to restore mobile phone facilities in all the remaining areas of Jammu and Kashmir,” Kansal said. “More specifically, all postpaid mobile phones, irrespective of the telecom service provider, will stand restored and be functional from 12 noon on Monday, 14 October, 2019,” he said.