The government is considering restarting SMS services in Kashmir valley, apart from also looking at selective restoration of broadband connections in the region, particularly in government offices, educational institutions and some hotels including private ones.

According to reports, mobile internet, however, will remain suspended for now. The resumption of broadband connections in Kashmir region too will be undertaken only on a case-to-case basis and essentially aimed at facilitating the state administration, tourists and visitors as well as students.

Sources told TOI that while SMS services, which were started along with resumption of mobile services in Kashmir region last month but suspended within the next few hours itself, are likely to resume soon, there was still no clarity on the timing of selective restoration of broadband connections. “SMS services will be the first indicator of (opening of)internet,” said a senior officer in J&K administration. The plans to further relax communication curbs came even as home minister Amit Shah held are view meeting on J&K here on Tuesday. The meeting was attended by the Union home secretary as well as J&K chief secretary and DGP.