Protests against ban on pre-paid phones in J&K

Kashmir: People in Kashmir are unhappy and protesting the government's decision to ban pre-paid mobile telephone connections in the state. The home ministry has decided not to issue fresh pre-paid mobile connections and the existing pre-paid SIM cards will not be renewed in the state after November 1.

Most of the residents in Kashmir have pre-paid connections and a ban will cause difficulties they say. People from other states having prepaid connections will not be provided roaming facilities while visiting the state.

Mobile services were started in the Kashmir valley a few years ago after the then government took the decision despite apprehensions by security agencies that militants would use the technology.