Jammers throw mobile phones out of service in Kashmir

SRINAGAR/JAMMU - Mobile phones in many parts of Jammu and Kashmir were thrown out of service by hi-tech electronic jamming equipments Tuesday with virtually no connectivity in the state, which is on high alert following terror threats on Republic Day.

All mobile networks stopped working Tuesday morning. There was no signal on mobile phones of private service providers, including Airtel, Vodafone, Tata Indicom and Aircel.

Phones of the state-BSNL service provider did have signal but could not connect to other phones. There was also no way of reaching service providers to know why there was no signal.

Officials said services had been jammed following inputs that the militants might use mobile phones to trigger explosive devices or pass on directions on phone.

“This has been done for security reasons,” an official told IANS in Jammu.

On a hectic newsy day, journalists were the most hit as they complained of having a tough time sending their reports.

“I am waiting to call my office in Delhi to file the first story of the Republic Day function on phone, but there is no way I can communicate,” said a journalist of a national wire service.

A police officer told IANS in Srinagar that the purpose of installing the electronic jamming equipment was to ensure that the militants were prevented from setting off any pre-planted explosive devices.

“It is a standing security precaution we take on such occasions,” he said.