Curbs in Kashmir being lifted, telephone connectivity to be gradually restored: J&K chief secy

NEW DELHI: Days after the Centre imposed several restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir in the run-up to the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir and the division of the state into two union territories -- J&K and Lakadh, J&K chief secretary BVR Subrahmanyam on Friday said restrictions across the Valley were being relaxed in a phased manner.
Schools, colleges and other educational institutions which have been closed for the past several days will reopen after this weekend area by area, the chief secretary said while addressing the media, adding that public transport would also become operational.Government offices had already started functioning from today.

Subrahmanyam said these steps were necessary to maintain law, order and peace in the Valley, and not a single civilian death had been reported since the restrictions were imposed. Twelve of the 22 districts in the state were functioning normally, the chief secretary stated, with some limited night-time restrictions in five of these districts.
However, telecom connectivity which has been disrupted for the past several days leading to discontent in the Valley and outside, will not be fully restored yet owing to the constant threat posed by terrorist organisations that used mobiles to organise their activities.. The chief secretary said phone connectivity would be gradually eased and restored in a phased manner, with landlines to be restored first.
Further, referring to the prevention detentions in the state, the chief secretary said these were being reviewed and appropriate decisions would be made based on the law and order assessment. Several political leaders including National Conference's Omar Abdullah and PDP's Mehbooba Mufti have been under house arrest since August 5, when the announcement on Article 370 was made by the Union government.