Internet, Phone Services in Kashmir Restored after 2 Days

*Srinagar remained under security lockdown for the second day running on Friday- KO Photo Abid Bhat*

Srinagar: Life remained crippled for the second consecutive day Friday across Kashmir Valley due to security restrictions imposed by the authorities fearing law and order situation following the death of Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Wednesday.

Like Thursday, restrictions remained in place in Srinagar and other major towns of the Valley. CRPF and police in large numbers were deployed around sensitive areas of this capital city to enforce restrictions.

While the roads leading to Geelani’s residence in the Hyderpora locality here remained sealed, barricades were put up in other areas to stop the movement of people, eyewitnesses said.

While life remained affected elsewhere some Srinagar areas including Boulevard on Dal Lake was bustling with people and visitors till late on Friday.

Mobile phone and internet services snapped on Wednesday night were restored late on Friday. However, internet on mobile services shall remain shutdown till Sunday afternoon,” a police spokesperson said.

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“In view of the peaceful situation, mobile service (voice call) and broadband of all TSPs shall open tonight at 10 pm. It is pertinent to mention that mobile service (voice call) and broadband of BSNL were never closed. However, internet on mobile services shall remain shutdown till Sunday afternoon,” a police spokesperson said.

Earlier tough restrictions were imposed in Srinagar’s Old City in the first half of the day. However, as the day progressed, curbs were eased and movement of people was allowed.

For the fourth consecutive week, no Friday prayers were offered at Jamia Masjid, Hazratbal shrine and other religious places. The historic Jamia Masjid was placed under siege by a contingent of CRPF personnel and police. However, congregational prayers were offered in the local mosques in other parts of the city.

Meanwhile, police said that the situation in Kashmir after Geelani’s death remained peaceful and under control and no untoward incident was reported from anywhere.

“The situation is absolutely under control, not even a single incident occurred in the last two days. People cooperated and security forces are working with great restraint. I congratulate people…for keeping peace everywhere, Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh told reporters in Baramulla on Friday.

Asked whether the situation in Afghanistan would have an impact in Kashmir, DGP Singh said, “There is nothing to worry about, everything is fine.”

Asked about the reports of some youths from the valley joining the Taliban, the police chief said, “This is totally wrong and fake news.”

Such fake news on social media is a malicious propaganda by Pakistan and pro-Pakistan agents. Everything is fine. The youth are playing cricket, volleyball, rugby. Don’t you see those pictures? Every child here wants to secure his future and no one is going that way, he said.

Meanwhile, IGP Kashmir, Vijay Kumar thanked the people for their cooperation with police & security personnel deployed on ground and in maintaining law and order.

He said that people are yet again requested not to pay any heed to the rumours being “maliciously spread by the anti-national elements especially across the border with an objective to disturb the prevalent peaceful atmosphere in the valley”.

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