Internet services and landlines were suspended in Jammu and Kashmir on August 5.
After strict lockdown preceding the government's decision to scrap special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370, restrictions were eased in some part of Kashmir on Saturday.
Internet services and landlines were suspended in Jammu and Kashmir on August 5 in view of security concerns in the region over Centre's decision to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution.
As landlines started working on Saturday, Rashid Rahil, a journalist, started his work after a 12-day break. He first called his colleagues and asked them to attend the office so that they can get to work from today itself.
GN Shaheen, a lawyer and political activist who was not able to move out of his home because of security reasons, started ringing his associates and relatives as soon as the phone lines started operating.
People from the neighbourhood lined up at his office to call their families. Welcoming them on the steps of his house, he hoped that all communication system would be restored soon. He also praised the government for the handling of the situation.
A family in Srinagar which has been out of touch with relatives and friends has been busy calling all those whose landline connections have been stored. Two kids of Bashir Ahmad Mir were excited that they will return to school on Monday.
Mir said there was no doubt that people faced problems but he was happy that no loss of life occurred.
"We are happy that no loss of life happened as it was witnessed in previous governments. I am hopeful that other things soon will be on track as the situation is improving gradually," he said.
As situation remained under control in Jammu and Kashmir, the government on Friday decided to lift restrictions in a phased and gradual manner. Officials said more communication lines will be opened soon.
Jammu and Kashmir Principal Secretary (Planning Commission) Rohit Kansal said restrictions have been eased in areas falling under 35 police stations in the Kashmir valley.
"Since morning, relaxations on restrictions have been provided in areas under 35 police stations across the length and breadth of the valley," Kansal said.
He said there had been no untoward incidents reported from the region after the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government's move on Article 370 and decision to split the state into two union territories.
In Jammu region, where the situation is less tense, restrictions on public gathering internet have been eased. Restrictions under Section 144 were relaxed in Kishtwar too for the entire day on Saturday. Besides, 2G mobile internet services have been restored in Jammu, Reasi, Samba, Kathua and Udhampur districts.
"Landlines and mobiles are already functional in Jammu. We have also opened up mobile internet with some functionality in at least 5 districts in Jammu," Kansal said.
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