Telephone, Net services restored in Nepal

Telephone and Internet services were restored in Nepal today, a week after they were stopped following seizure of power by King Gyanendra and declaration of state of emergency. But mobile phone services were still down.

The decision to restore the telephone and Internet services was taken at the security coordination meeting held at the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) headquarters.

But over 30 Internet service providers have reportedly been asked to ensure that certain websites, including that of the Maoists, are blocked.

Acting upon tremendous national and international pressure the government lifted the ban on telephone services, including international dialing and Internet services.

"Landline service has resumed from today," army spokesman Deepak Gurung said, adding an appropriate decision on the wireless private telephone service and mobile phones would be taken after evaluating the security situation of the country.

Soon after the lifting of the ban, people rushed to Internet cafes and telephone booths to establish contact with their friends and relatives abroad and apprise them of the situation.

The disruption of communication services, including Internet had badly hit banks, airlines, travel agency and hotel businesses in Nepal. Money transfer services in commercial banks had also been hit due to the lack of Internet service.

"We are compelled to suspend the remittance services for the time being," said a Nepal bank employee.

Most international airlines have stopped booking tickets for long distance travel. Austrian Air, which operates a weekly flight on the Kathmandu-Vienna route, had cancelled all scheduled flights for February, said The Kathmandu Post.

Meanwhile, in the midst of chill in bilateral ties following the seizure of power by the King, Nepal has asked India to continue providing military assistance to it.

The request was conveyed by chief of the RNA Gen Pyar Jung Thapa to Indian Ambassador to Nepal SS Mukherjee when they met at the army headquarters here yesterday.