Subscribers Allege Idea, Reliance Internet Services Failing in Valley
Srinagar, March 23, KNT: Internet users in Kashmir have complained of slow connectivity and poor customer service, alleging that some telecom companies are failing to address subscriber grievances despite charging for their services.
Several subscribers said they faced persistent problems after opting for internet connections provided by private telecom companies.
An Idea subscriber alleged that the service speed remained extremely slow after activation of the connection and repeated complaints to the company failed to produce any improvement.
“Initially the approach of the company officials was cooperative, but once the connection was activated and payment was made, our complaints were not taken seriously,” the subscriber said.
The subscriber further claimed that he eventually surrendered the device after experiencing prolonged connectivity problems.
Users also complained that helpline numbers provided by the company were either non-functional or frequently disconnected, making it difficult to lodge complaints or seek assistance.
One subscriber said that the helpline number provided for customer support rarely worked and calls often ended abruptly or indicated that the number dialed was incorrect.
Similar concerns were raised by Reliance internet subscribers, who alleged that the service frequently stopped working during late evening hours.
“Usually after 10 pm the connection stops working and when we contact officials the response is that the server is down,” a subscriber said.
Subscribers also alleged that some helpline numbers provided by the company redirected callers to automated services unrelated to customer support.
One such caller claimed that when he dialed a helpline number he was directed to entertainment content and was charged for the call.
When contacted, a Reliance official said the company did not compel anyone to subscribe to its services.
“We do not force anyone to take our connection,” the official said before ending the call.
Subscribers said they hoped telecom operators would improve network performance and customer support services in the region. [KNT]
© Kashmir News Trust (KNT). Unauthorized use without attribution is prohibited.
![PCC Asks DC Pulwama to Shut Down Illegal Brick Kilns, 18 Brick Kilns Face Regulatory Violations, 7 Listed Without Consent Pulwama, Aug 8, KNT: Pollution Control Committee has asked Deputy Commissioner to shut down illegal brick kilns in South Kashmir's Pulwama district. The latest status of brick kilns operating in south Kashmir's Pulwama district has revealed serious regulatory concerns, with 18 units listed either without consent, with expired Consent to Operate (CTO), or under a “Refused” status. The status details show that seven brick kilns are listed as operating “Without consent”, indicating that the units do not have the required regulatory consent to operate. The seven units are Dar Brick Kiln (415) at Alliepora Shahoora, LBK changed into Bhat Brick Kiln (151) at Nownagri Pulwama, Kamran Brick Kiln 777 at Parigam Newa, Budshah Brick Kiln at Audoora Pulwama, JKB Sanzan (151) at Astapora Sanzan, 417 Brick Kiln changed into 7HH at Achan Litter Pulwama, and Five Star Brick Kiln at Wahipora Pulwama. The list further shows eight brick kilns with expired CTOs, meaning their consent to operate has lapsed. These include Hilal Brick Kiln, Allie Brick Kiln, Bashir Ahmad Magray, Sunflower Brick Kiln, Jalal Brick Kiln, Magray Brick Kiln, Thoker Brick Kiln (A-No) and Shahoorа Brick Kiln (ATM). Another three units have been marked “Refused” in the consent status. These are Mir Brick Kiln at Hastikhud Zadoora Newa, Gulmour Brick Kiln at Tumchinowpora and Dar Brick Kiln at Tumchinowpora. The status as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust also contains brick kilns holding valid CTOs, indicating that the regulatory violations are not uniform across the district. The findings assume significance in view of the Jammu & Kashmir Pollution Control Committee's direction to the Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama, to initiate action against brick kilns operating without the requisite permissions and in violation of environmental regulations. The presence of multiple units with expired or refused consent, besides those listed without consent altogether, raises serious questions over their continued operation and the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement in the district. The concerned authorities are now expected to verify the operational status of these units and take action against those found functioning without valid statutory consent. [KNT]](https://newsagencyknt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Brick-Kiln-390x220.jpg)
