The central government has restored 17 of the 96 telephone exchanges in the morning of August 17.

The officials said that the restrictions have been relaxed in 35 police station areas of the Kashmir valley. Although the security forces continued to be deployed, residents movement were allowed after checking their documents.

The long awaited ease came almost two weeks after the Modi-led government abrogated Article 370, stripping off the autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir.

17 Of 100 Telephone Exchanges Restored

In central Kashmir, landline services have been restored in  Budgam, Sonamarg and Manigam. In north Kashmir, Gurez, Tangmarg, Uri Keran Karnah, and Tangdhar are among the areas where the services have now been restored.

Landline services have also been made operational in Qazigund and Pehelgam regions of South Kashmir.

The restoration in landline services essentially means that a total of 50,000 phones will now be operational, according to PTI.

Most Telephone Exchanges To Be Restored By August 18

Rohit Kansal, government’s spokesperson in a press conference said that by the evening of August 18, most telephone exchanges in the valley will be functional. He said in Jammu region, landline services are functioning normally and mobile services in five districts have already been restored.

The spokesperson added that “the administration is closely monitoring the whole situation and as of now, no unpleasant incident has been reported from anywhere in the valley. The presence of public transport on the roads is a good sign and reports suggest that the same was noticed in the rural areas also.”

Kansal also added that school from primary level to reopen from August 19 (Monday). Government offices  will also reopen in the valley from the same day.

Swayam Prakash Pani, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kashmir said that the administration was assessing the situation and was easing the scenario in a gradual manner.
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