Click to play videoJammu: People in Jammu and Kashmir are looking out for new ways to greet their dear ones this Diwali as the most convenient one — sending an SMS to your loved ones — is not available. Short messaging service has been banned in the state ever since the Amarnath land row.
And as the ban continues cartoonist Manoj Chopra well describes it in his own way as he drew a cartoon with a mobile and SMS which said 'hope my message reaches next Diwali'.
"This is the sentiment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir as without SMS life is almost incomplete," said the cartoonist.
Meanwhile, the students in the state too are feeling the pinch, but perhaps, are getting used to it.
"We have balance in our phones but can't message, so it's difficult," said a Lavanya a student.
"Life without SMS is life without breath," said another student Anmol.
The service was banned during the Amaranth land row as it was being used to spread provocative messages.
Even though a Public Interest Litigation was filed, the Supreme Court upheld the ban, though Telecom operators say it's upto the state government to take a final call.
However, Telecom operators feel it should have happened in this festive season when the usage is at its peak.
"SMS use definitely goes up during the festival season to 60-70 times of a normal days use," said general manager, BSNL, AK Mittal.
The state has over 25 lakh users who have been missing on to the messaging service for more than three months now and the absence being felt strongly in the middle of this festival season.
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