As the valley reels under the cellular connectivity gag leaving hundreds of soldiers posted in Kashmir out of reach from their families, the recent floods in many Indian states have added more to the worries of security forces personnel.Majority of security forces personnel deployed in Srinagar claim that they are not able to speak to their family members given communication gag in Kashmir and through their official helpline system, they are able to speak to their families only twice a week.According to wire service Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the valley continues to witness the cellular communication gag even on the 58th consecutive day of the prevailing uncertainty causing inconveniences not only to the people but on duty security personnel as well.The recent floods in various states of India has distressed the security forces personnel in Kashmir as they are not able to speak to their families the way they used to before August 5. The security personnel who belong to various states like Bihar and Rajasthan are very much concerned by the news of floods and what adds more to their ordeal is the ongoing cellular gag as they can’t speak to their families frequently as has been the practice before August 5.
A trooper deployed in Srinagar, wishing anonymity told KNO that, “I am very much worried about my family after hearing the news of floods in our state as it has been a week when I spoke to my family.”He told KNO that, the situation in which they are performing their duties are hard because of being out of touch with their families. He further said,” It’s like we are guarding the nation without the knowledge about our families during the natural calamity which took place there.”Another trooper Anil Kumar (name changed) told KNO, “I came to know that the flood water has entered in our village and most of the villagers have been taken to the safer places by the administration.Nation is always first for us but at the same we have families back at home who are concerned about us."He told KNO that, he accepts that the situation is not favorable to restore the cellular services in Kashmir but at-least the numbers of security force personnel should be exempted from the ongoing gag at this crucial juncture. He further added that," Physically we are guarding the people of Kashmir while being on the streets but mentally we are lost in thinking about the well-being of our families back home.” (KNO)