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SMS services restored in J&K, internet services allowed in hospitals

Kansal said the administration in Kashmir was facilitating students, contractors, tour operators, government officials through several internet centers

Shrinagar: On Tuesday midnight the central government restored mobile messaging services in Kashmir nearly five months since its suspension. Broadband internet services are also allowed in hospitals across the Union Territory from 1st January, although the restriction on civilian use may remain.

The restrictions on internet and mobile messaging services were part of the communications clampdown imposed on Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of special status under Article 370 on August 5. The authorities said it was done to ensure that “trouble-makers” do not succeed in gathering the people against the administration.

The central government’s decision to ease restrictions in Kashmir was announced by Rohit Kansal, the official spokesperson of the union territory administration said while addressing a press conference on Tuesday.

Rohit Kansal also said that the government has decided to do away with the goods toll charged at the Lakhanpur post under the Jammu and Kashmir Levy of Toll Act Samvat-1995 from the start of 2020. This has been a long-standing demand among truckers in the area, and the All Jammu and Kashmir Transport Welfare Association had even called a shutdown earlier this year to agitate against the toll.

Kansal said the administration in Kashmir was facilitating students, contractors, tour operators, government officials through several internet centers.

“Around 900 such centers and special counters are functional throughout Jammu and Kashmir in districts, prominent tourist places, and hotels, and about 6 lakh people have taken advantage of these centers,” he said.

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