Kashmir phone lines to start opening today, no deaths: J&K chief secy announces relaxations

Jammu and Kashmir chief secretary BVR Subrahmanyam on Friday addressed the media to announce that phone lines and other communication restrictions in the Kashmir valley will be eased out in phases, starting Friday night itself.

Amid a hue and cry over an unprecedented lockdown in the state, Subrahmanyam said that restrictions in the Valley will be removed in phases keeping in view the terror threats from banned organisations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba.

All that the J&K chief secretary announced:

- Telephone lines will be opened gradually starting tonight (Friday). Restrictions will also be gradually lifted. BSNL lines takes time to restore completely.

- Schools will be opened from Monday area-wise. Government offices have already been made fully functional from Friday.

- Political detention of leaders such former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti will be eased out. However, these are subject to review on a daily basis.

- A few preventive detentions of individuals were also made in accordance with



provisions of law to maintain law and order.

- There has been no loss of life during these restrictions unlike the previous agitations seen. There has been no loss of life despite terror organisations Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar making all efforts.

- During the restrictions, essential facilities like medical, food are being adequately supplied, satellite television, newspapers are being published and medical facilities are available.

- 12 out of 22 districts are functioning normally with some limited restrictions in 5 districts.

- Movement of public transport to be made operational.

Over 40,000 additional troops were rushed to Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the August 5 announcement of abrogating Article 370 to strip the state of its special status.

The state has been put under an unprecedented lockdown ever since with phone lines and internet services suspended for weeks.

The restrictions were eased for a few hours on Eid morning in the Valley and were put back immediately after the prayers were over.