Raja Syed Rather
Ganderbal, Oct 11: While the rest of the country prepares for the rollout of 5G services, the residents of Naranag village in Ganderbal district continue to suffer due to the absence of mobile connectivity.
Located approximately 28 kilometres from Ganderbal town, Naranag is renowned for its scenic meadows, historical temples, lakes, and mountains. It serves as a base camp for trekking enthusiasts heading to Mount Haramukh and Gangabal Lake.
Despite its importance as a tourist village, Naranag has been without mobile phone connectivity since its introduction in Jammu & Kashmir in 2003. The lack of connectivity has posed significant challenges for the local population, especially students who struggled to attend online classes during the extended school closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sadam Ehmad Bijard, a resident of Naranag, expressed frustration at the digital disconnect in a world increasingly reliant on technology.
He said mobile phones play a vital role in staying connected with the global community. The village is isolated from the rest of the world due to the absence of this essential service, he said.
The villagers have urged the administration to prioritise resolving this issue without further delay, saying mobile phones and the internet play a pivotal role in education and communication.
