J&K: People request phone connectivity in Jammu's border areas ahead of Eid, Rakhi

Jammu region's border areas are reeling under strict restrictions. The communication in the region has been down for the past seven days. Even voice calling is not permitted just like in Kashmir.

A woman shared her grievance ahead of Raksha Bandhan. "Festival of Rakhi [Rakhsha Bandhan] is around the corner. At least I should be able to talk to my brothers. I miss them and during the festival we should be given some hours to contact our beloved. I haven't spoken to my relatives for the past one week," Geeta Devi, a resident of Nowshera, Jammu and Kashmir, said.

Ahead of Eid, DM Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir confirmed the relaxation for people to come out from 10 am to 6 pm. The people during this time period can go for shopping, groceries and even spend time with relatives in the region.

The story for people in the Jammu region's border areas is a bit different.

"I stand by the government's decision but at least open the phone lines so we can call our family members on Eid. We should be allowed to offer prayers at mosques on the festival," Mohd Irfansaid.

RESTRICTIONS REMOVED IN JAMMU CITY BARRING THE INTERNET CONNECTIVITY

While restriction may have been removed in the city of Jammu, phone lines stop working after crossing Reasi - a district close to the border. From Sunderbani to Poonch, phone connectivity ceases to exist.

Meanwhile, shops were open and people were seen on the roads as well. The people were seen shopping for the festival of Eid.

TRANSPORTATION

The buses are plying on the roads in Poonch but the frequency of the buses has decreased with routes being diverted in some areas.

"I am driving from Poonch. The situation is fine but the passengers are fewer. I only had two passengers and even till Rajouri, the numbers are meager," a Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) bus driver said.

Vehicular traffic is still permitted is sectors like Akhnoor, Nowshera and Poonch. Stricter restrictions, however, exist in Kishtwar, Doda and other areas that are considered to be communally sensitive.

LAW AND ORDER

Authorities said that precautionary measures are required to maintain law and order and ensure there are no incidents of violence.

Despite the inconvenience, most people in Nowshera seem to support the Modi government for the decision and hope the situation of the region improves.

"We are with the government. We know this government has thought better for us. We hope PM [Modi] can visit someday," a resident in Bhajnova village on Nowshera sector that stand along the Line of Control (LoC) and has faced years of mortar shelling from Pakistan, said.

"There will be relaxation for Eid prayers in Rajouri. However, Section 144 remains in place. Rajouri is a very sensitive district in terms of law and order," Rajouri DC said.

The communally sensitive areas are also being cautiously tracked for any untoward incident.

IN REASI, DEBATE CONTINUES IF GOVERNMENT SHOULD HAVE SCRAPPED ARTICLE 370 OR NOT

"We are wholeheartedly with the government. The whole area welcomes the decision," incumbent village head, Anil Sharma said. However, former sarpanch Om Prakash disagreed.

"Government took wrong decisions. Article 370 was our special identity. Our special rights have now been taken away. If everyone accepts the decision, then why have restrictions been imposed?," he asked.

TELEPHONE BOOTHS

According to a report, the Jammu and Kashmir administration on Sunday said 300 special telephone booths are being established to help people communicate with their loved ones.

The Army has launched "Mission Reach Out" in Jammu to ensure basic necessities and essential services are available in the region post the abrogation of the provisions of Article 370 and reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir.

A defence spokesperson informed that due to normalcy in the region, the general public had requested for opening of schools and educational institutes, which was agreed upon and schools in the city were opened from August 10.