Cellphones in J&K from August 27
Monday, 18 August 2003, 19:30 IST
Printer Print Email Email
JAMMU: After years of waiting, cellular phones will become operational in Jammu and Kashmir from August 27, when Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee inaugurates the service. Chief General Manager Arun Kumar, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), Jammu and Kashmir circle, who made this announcement at a press conference Sunday, said only the post-paid, and not pre-paid, service would be made available in the state. Bookings would start Monday and remain open till August 26. Cellphones would then be allotted after a draw of lots. To meet the concerns of the security agencies of this terrorism-hit state, where more than 40,000 people have died in the past 14 years, the BSNL mobile service would not be available in areas within 10 km of the border. The service would initially be available only in the two capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar, besides Katra, the base camp of the Vaishno Devi shrine, and a big pilgrimage centre for Hindus coming from different parts of the country. It would be followed up by service to the district headquarters. The date for this, however, is yet to be decided.
Source: IANS
siliconindia