Listen: Kashmiris' First Talks With Loved Ones Since Lockdown

There were elated voices on both ends of the phone lines.

But today was a pivotal day for Kashmiris who got to speak to their family members.

(Photo: Kamran Akhter/The Quint)

Video Editor: Rahul Sanpui
Video Producer: Aastha Gulati

After a complete communications lockdown for over two months following Article 370’s abrogation, postpaid connections were restored in Kashmir on Monday, 14 October. This meant that those living outside Kashmir who had been unable to speak to their families and friends finally got to get in touch with them.

At The Quint, My Report’s citizen journalists from Kashmir have shared their first reaction of finally getting to speak to their loved ones.

Faizan Bukhari, a student studying in Chandigarh, couldn’t get through to his parents' phone because they had prepaid connections. However, he managed to speak to his uncle in Budgam.

<b></b>“I still cannot believe that I’m getting to speak to you on a call.”

Faizan Bukhari to his uncle&nbsp;

It wasn’t just Bukhari who was excited to speak to his family. Sheikh Saqlain, another student from Chandigarh, was relieved that he didn’t have to call on other people’s landline numbers to speak to his parents. His mother happily agreed.

<b></b>“It’s good now. Otherwise, it would be very difficult to call you.”

Sheikh Saqlain’s Mother

Raheel Khan, who works in New Delhi, spoke to his family for the first time in weeks as the landline connection back home was disconnected for non-payment of bill.

“Congratulations! The phone has started working.”

Raheel Khan to his mother&nbsp;

Raheel is now getting calls from his cousins and relatives to pay their bills online.

“There is a long queue to pay bills,” his brother Romil tells him.

“People were so thrilled to speak to their families after two months of lockdown.”

Romil to Raheel&nbsp;

While the lockdown in Kashmir has not been lifted completely, this partial relaxation has at least brought relief to the people.

(All 'My Report' branded stories are submitted by citizen journalists to The Quint. Though The Quint inquires into the claims/allegations from all parties before publishing, the report and the views expressed above are the citizen journalist's own. The Quint neither endorses, nor is responsible for the same.)