Won't allow Stone Age return, says Mufti

In the backdrop of threats and attacks by militants on people associated with telecom operations across the Valley, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Tuesday said his government will not allow anybody to push people into Stone Age.

Mufti, who had called for an emergency meeting of security agencies to discuss the law and order situation in the valley, directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to take all possible steps to thwart any attempt to disrupt cellular networks and provide security to mobile tower installations and owners.

“Modern-day functioning of the government, banking, tourism, education and other vital sectors, in particular, old-age pension and e-transfer of insurance claims and compensation to flood-affected victims are totally dependent on internet connectivity,” Mufti said.

“Miscreants cannot be allowed to take the law into their own hands and police should deal sternly with such elements,” the chief minister added. Cellular networks have become the lifeline as these services are availed by all sections of the society.

The recent threats and attacks by the militants on cellular towers in north Kashmir and Srinagar has not only kept the security agencies on tenterhooks but has also put people in trouble.

On Tuesday the mobile phone towers owner association in Kashmir decided to keep transmitting towers off until June 10.

“We have decided to close mobile phone towers till June 10 and we will not operate before this date. We want to give time to the government to take steps for our safety. We will restart service after we are sure of our safety,”a spokesman of the Kashmir BSNL Tower Landlord Welfare Organization said.