Kashmir SMS ban lifted

The ban on Short Messaging Services (SMS) for post-paid mobile phone customers in Jammu & Kashmir was lifted on Wednesday, about six months after it was imposed due to security concerns.

Imposed in June after widespread violent protests in the state, the ban still stands for pre-paid subscribers, the state government decided at meeting between Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Home Secretary B R Sharma, intelligence agency officials and the state police chief.

The government also refrained from pulling off the ban on bulk messaging but post-paid customers will be able to receive SMSs from licensed telecom operators and public utility agencies like railways, airlines, banks and electricity boards.