People continued to suffer as mobile and internet service of all Cellular companies, including Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), remained suspended since August 5 in Kashmir valley, where life remained crippled due to strike against scrapping of Article 370 and 35 A and bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories.

However, landline phones were fully restored in Kashmir valley after the service was suspended on August 5, bringing some relief to the people, who could not contact their dear ones within and outside the valley due to total communication blackout.

Mobile network of all Cellular companies, including BSNL,besides internet remained suspended for the past 34 days in the valley, badlyhitting on-line editions of local newspapers, journalists, students and other professionals.

The communication network was suspended across Kashmir valley, including Srinagar, on August 5 as a precautionary measure to prevent rumours after the special status of the state was scrapped. Suspension of the communication -- landline, mobile and internet -- network evoked sharp reaction, particularly from the families whose relatives were outside the valley.

It was in the last week of August that landlines were restored to subscribers connected with Barzulla and Sonawar telephone exchanges. Landlines phones of subscribers, including all media organizations,from main BSNL telephone exchange were restored only on Thursday.

Due to suspension of internet service, journalists working for different media organizations, including News Agencies, were badly hit.However, later administration set up a media facilitation centre at Sonawar inthe city, where journalists are filing their stories to their respective mediaorganizations. However, the journalists had to wait for hours to get their turn since only a limited number of systems are working.Officials said the mobile phones would also be restored in the valley soon. However, they said the communication network was suspended as it was being misused to spread rumours.