India says it has restored call facilities on post-paid cellphone connections in Indian-administered Kashmir, 72 days after scrapping the state’s special status.
According to government figures, Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir has around 4 million postpaid mobile subscribers.
But the ban on 3 million prepaid phone connections and internet services will continue.
Officials said 80% of landline phones have been working since last month, but many people do not even have landline connections.
People in the valley had mixed reactions after postpaid services were restored.
A resident of Srinagar, requesting anonymity, said the first thing she did was contact her son studying in Uttar Pradesh.
“We have suffered a lot during the last two months and are still struggling with life. I just want to give the message that the government has made our lives hell.”
Another resident of Srinagar, Haroon Ahmed, wants the government to restore internet service in the area.
“Our businesses have come to a standstill without the internet. One can imagine our condition. We have been suffering for no fault of ours,” he said.
The move to restore post-paid mobile services comes at a time when civil disobedience against India’s surprise move has continued despite authorities ending some restrictions.
