Karnah, Dec 4: The inhabitants of Karnah have complained that their telephone exchange remains out of the order most of time causing immense hardships to the people.
 “The exchange remains out of order for 16 to 20 hours everyday,” the residents complained.
 This telephone exchange was established in 1996 and provides land line service to 300 subscribers. “The authorities haven’t upgraded the exchange and is only providing service to three out of 42 villages in the area,” the residents added. 
 The residents said the government assurance about the start of mobile service in the area has also proven a hoax. “During the last five years, the authorities have been making repeated assurance about installation of a mobile tower in the area, but nothing substantial has been done so far. The private mobile companies have also expressed reluctance in starting the service in the area,” the residents added.
 Sources said the security agencies had objected to the installation of mobile towers in Karnah for certain reasons. “If Gurez, Poonch, Rajouri, Uri, Kargil and Drass, which are also the border areas, can have the mobile facility, why not Karnah,” the residents questioned. 
 The residents said that due to defunct exchange and non-availability of the mobile service, the people were facing immense hardships. “Many of the youth are working and studying outside state and their families are facing huge inconvenience in reaching to them due to non-availability of the service,” the residents said adding these families had to travel to Kupwara to make such calls.    
 They urged the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah to intervene in the matter.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 4 Dec 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 4 Dec 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 5 Dec 2011 00:00:00 IST