SIMARI (KUPWARA), 23 JUNE 2026: Until recently, residents of Simari village in Karnah Valley had to walk nearly a kilometre towards Khokar village just to find a mobile signal. Today, they can make calls and access the internet from their homes.
The change comes with the commissioning of a new mobile tower in the remote border village near the Line of Control, bringing reliable voice and data connectivity to a community that had long remained outside regular network coverage.
Established by Jio with facilitation from the Indian Army, the tower has transformed daily life for villagers. Students can now access online learning, families can stay connected with loved ones, and residents can avail digital banking, government services and emergency communication without leaving the village.
For a community that once climbed hills and walked long distances in search of a signal, the arrival of dependable connectivity is more than a technological upgrade—it is a gateway to opportunity, inclusion and a stronger connection with the rest of the country.
