Mobile phone services suspended in Kashmir

Srinagar: Mobile telephone services were on Thursday suspended all over Jammu and Kashmir as a precaution on Independence Day.

Service providers turned off their mobile signals in Jammu region early in the day on the direction of the authorities. In the past, separatist guerrillas have used remote-controlled explosive devices to attack security forces and VVIPs. Most of these devices have been triggered by mobile phone signals. A senior intelligence officer told a news agency that mobile services would be restored immediately after the flag hoisting and ceremonial parades end in the state. The authorities Sunday directed service providers to withdraw internet facilities on mobile phones and dongle appliances. Internet services are, however, available on broadband at very low speed. This again has been done to prevent uploading of images that could affect communal harmony. IANS