How ‘normal’ is Kashmir? What’s functioning, what remains forbidden

NEW DELHI: More than a hundred days after the August 5 move by the Narendra Modi-led BJP government to remove Jammu & Kashmir’s special status under Article 370 and split the state into two Union Territories, shops remained open for the entire day and J&K State Roadways Transport Corporation buses plied across the Valley on Monday. While these developments point to returning normalcy in the Valley, there is talk that broadband services, too, are likely to be restored by the end of this week.TOI takes a look at what is open and accessible and how much is still restricted in Kashmir.
LANDLINE & POST-PAID PHONES, TRAINS RESTORED, BUT INTERNET STILL OFF
TRANSPORTATION

➤Train services in Kashmir Valley restored fully on November 17 following successful trial runs on various lines since November 12. Train services were disrupted since August 3.
➤ Intra-district connectivity in Srinagar restored on November 14 with cabs plying in several areas.
➤ Travel restrictions removed on October 10 with two-month-old advisory asking tourists to leave Valley lifted.
COMMUNICATION
➤ Landline services restored completely on October 18.
➤ Post-paid mobile services restored on October 14. SMS services were reportedly stopped the evening before as a precautionary measure
➤ Pre-paid mobile phone services still suspended.
➤ All internet services still stand withdrawn; no access to social media.
➤ Media restrictions still in place.
SHOPPING
➤ Shops stayed open for entire day in Kashmir for first time on November 18
➤ Day-time restrictions were relaxed in all 105 police station limits in Kashmir on September 28.
EDUCATION
➤ Colleges, universities reopened on October 9.
➤ All schools reopened on October 3.
➤ Higher secondary schools reopened on August 28, but students stayed away. Shops started to open (in early morning and late evening) in last week of August.
POLITICAL RESTRICTIONS
Detained politicians being shifted (above) to MLAs’ hostel in Srinagar on Sunday
➤ Three politicians freed from detention on October 10: Yawar Mir, Noor Mohammed and Shoaib Lone.
➤ In first major political activity in Valley, National Conference delegation met Farooq, Omar Abdullah on October 6 for the first time since their detention.
➤ Detentions under Public Saftey Act (PSA) continue, including of ex-CMs Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti.
HOW CHALLENGE AGAINST CURBS IS MOVING IN THE SUPREME COURT
Sept, 16 : Supreme Court bench led by then CJI Ranjan Gogoi urges Centre to make every effort to restore normalcy in J&K.
Oct,24: How long will restrictions continue, Supreme Court asks Centre.
Nov,4: Notifications and orders shutting down mobile, landline and internet services in J&K following abrogation of provisions of Article 370 were
“illegal and unconstitutional”, apex court told.
Nov, 6: Supreme Court seeks report from Centre on plying of public transport in J&K during restrictions.
Nov, 11 :Centre justifies in Supreme Court the abrogation of provisions of Article 370.
Dec, 10: Final hearing on petitions challenging the Centre’s August 5 move on Article 370. Centre asked to file counter affidavit in the case by November.