Mobile internet services partially restored in Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 2 :  Mobile internet services of all cellular companies, including Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), were partially restored after remaining suspended for over 24 hours in Kashmir valley. Official sources told that the mobile internet services were restored this evening following improvement in the situation in the valley. However, they said the services will remain suspended in some area in south Kashmir. The services were yesterday suspended in the wake of clashes after the killing of two Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) militants, including Chief Commander of outfit, in an encounter in south Kashmir district of Pulwama. Two civilians were killed and several others were injured in the clashes with security forces at Pulwama yesterday. During the last four months, mobile internet services have been suspended five times for over four weeks in Kashmir valley. The mobile internet services for post-paid connections was suspended for about five months last year following violence triggered by the death of HM commander Burhan Wani on July 8 last year. Similarly, mobile internet services for prepaid connections were restored in Kashmir on January 27, six months after they were suspended. Meanwhile, the telecast of news on local cable channels in the Valley remained banned since 2010, when there were massive protest during which more than 120 people, mostly youths, were killed in security force and police firing in the Valley. The authorities had also directed bureaucrats and other officers not to participate in any political debate on local cable channels. UNI