Mobiles ring across J-K, but not for Mufti’s wife

When Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee announced that cellphones would be introduced in Jammu and Kashmir, the Valley saw hundreds line up to collect application forms for the facility provided by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).

The cellphone fever touched one and all, including J-K Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s family. The CM, his daughter and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti and officers in his Secretariat got the phones on priority basis. However, the facility was withdrawn to Mufti’s wife Gulshan Ara and granddaughters Irtiqa and Iltija (Mehbooba’s kids) after BSNL officials came to know about ‘‘undue’’ favour extended to them a few days ago. The Jammu-based Sub-Divisional Engineer (SDE) who ‘‘cleared’’ their applications was transferred for okaying them since ‘‘they were not on the priority list’’.

Senior BSNL sources said the facility was ready for the three and 80 others when BSNL Chief General Manager (J-K Circle) Arun Kumar instructed de-activating the connections.

Contacted over phone, BSNL general manager (Kashmir circle) G.S. Marshall said he was not aware of the development and only the CGM can tell him. ‘‘I will tell the CGM, who is busy with the draw, to contact you,’’ he said.