The ban on the pre-paid cellular connections in Jammu and Kashmir is a “considered decision” and it will stay for now, Home Minister P Chidambaram said on Wednesday, despite the state government having asked the Centre to reconsider the ban.

“It was a well considered decision of the central government, which was taken after the Union Home Ministry apprised its concern to the government,” Chidambaram told reporters here. “The decision was taken up keeping in view the security situations and the service providers were also apprised about the decision before the move of banning the pre-paid connections was taken.”

“The ban on the pre-paid connections was going to stay in Jammu and Kashmir at least for now. However, service providers were working out for alternate arrangements for the same to the people,” he added.

“I think the service providers will now meet the government and present a plan by which we can reconcile security interests and interests of the consumers. It may take a little time, but once things are in place as fairly secure system then perhaps we can review the decision,” the minister said.

The Congress too has expressed hope that the ban would be lifted soon. In Delhi, AICC spokesman Shakeel Ahmed said: “We hope that it is a temporary measure.”