Excelsior Correspondent

POONCH, Mar 30: The people from Poonch city including Beopar Mandal and representatives from various political parties and social organizations held strong protest against the BSNL authorities for the total breakdown of services including internet and mobile phones since last evening.

A large number of people of the town including political and social activists besides traders came out on the road at Bus Stand and held strong protest against BSNL authorities. They then moved outside the main Telephone Exchange and staged their protest for some time.

Then they came towards Poonch –Jammu Road and blocked it for about an hour. They shouted loud slogans against Union Telecommunication Minister, Chief General Manager J&K Circle and District Administration as well. They also burnt the effigy of Union Telecommunication Minister. They alleged that due to break down in services, the general public is suffering. There is no bank transactions in Banks since yesterday. People are unable to deposit bills. Students and other cannot fill online forms and the BSNL authorities do not bother to improve services. District Magistrate is also not taking cognizance of the matter. Customers are being crushed and are made to deposit bills for the worst ever services.

Beopar Mandal Poonch president Sunil Gupta, Bajrang Dal District president Nishu Gupta, Sourabh Sudan and several others addressed the gathering and warned the BSNL authorities to improve services or get ready to face public action. The movement of vehicles remained suspended for about an hour.

Reports from Mendhar and Rajouri said that due to break down BSNL services the public suffered a lot since morning. Even in Rajouri, Mendhar and Surankote towns similar situation is being faced by the general public while Company staff is least bothered. Many telephone exchanges and towers are lying defunct and the BSNL is totally ignoring the public concern. The Governor’s Administration has turned mute spectator, they rued.