17 of Jammu and Kashmir's phone exchanges to be functional by Saturday

Srinagar, Aug 17 (IANS) On the 13th day of the clampdown in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the state into two union territories, the state government on Saturday said the restoration of telephone lines have started, with 17 exchanges to function from later in the day.

"Restoration of communication in Jammu and Kashmir: 17 out of 96 telephone exchanges being made functional today. Half of them will be functioning by today night," Jammu and Kashmir's Department of Information and Public Relations tweeted.

Barring a few, all landline exchanges will be functional by Sunday, it said.

On Friday, Chief Secretary B.V.R. Subrahmanyam said that restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir placed after the axing of Article 370 will be lifted in a phased manner from Friday night.

He also said that all schools in the valley will reopen after the weekend while government offices started functioning from Friday with high attendance.

Subrahmanyam said telecommunication links will be restored gradually, and that certain curbs became necessary on August 14 and 15 in view of belligerent statements from "across the border".

According to government sources, restrictions were gradually being eased while security forces have been asked to remain on high alert in the valley.