The Hindu : Ban on STD-ISD enters third month

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Mar 05, 2002

National

National

Ban on STD-ISD enters third month

By Shujaat Bukhari

JAMMU MARCH 4. Even as the tension along the borders seems to have eased, the people of Jammu and Kashmir continue to face enormous difficulties in the wake of the ban on STD-ISD and Internet facility. The ban has entered the third month.

Not only has the ban rendered thousands of public call office (PCO) operators jobless, it has affected tourism, the mainstay of the State, particularly in the Jammu division.

While individuals continue to have the facility, the general public is facing problems. The business community is the worst hit.

Officials confirm that the ban has resulted in a drop in the number of pilgrims to the Vaishnodevi temple as they fear they would not be able to get in touch with their relatives. The Disturbed Areas Act, which came into force after the attack on the Jammu railway station, has been a setback to tourism here, a senior official said.

Business in cyber cafes too has been affected. The student community has demanded the 0restoration of the facility.

When contacted, the Minister of State for External Affairs, Omar Abdullah, said, "I am very much concerned about it and have raised the issue many times with the Government, but the Cabinet Committee on Security Affairs is yet to decide. I will write shortly to the Prime Minister inviting his attention. I strongly believe that the facility should be restored.''

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