The Gilgit Baltistan government has restored 4G services in 10 districts of the mountainous region after 16 days, the home minister said on Monday.

“An action would be taken against those who spread hatred on social media,” said Shams Loon at the GB’s Legislative Assembly session. “4G services would again be shut down if social media was misused.”

The reconnection to 4G comes after the government banned its services on September 2 in an attempt to stop the hatred on social media that apparently was prompting inter-religious tensions.

The decision was part of the government’s measures to control the law and order situation which was disturbed after protests erupted in the region.

The Home Department had banned the assembly of gatherings exceeding four persons across the region under Section 144 of CrPC to avoid any untoward incident.

Loon had told Aaj News earlier this month that the government was in talks with protesting sides to restore calm in the mountainous region.

According to the minister, the religious leaders had given them assurances. The government had urged them to promote peace messages in Friday sermons.

On September 3, the interim information minister stated that all roads, trade centres, business activities and educational institutions in GB were open as usual.