Bandipur, February 11:

The decision made by the local administration to disconnect telephone lines has hit the historic town of Bandipur, a popular destination for the tourists and business hub, hard, locals said, adding that the decision had also violated their right to information.

Citing increase in Maoist activities, all 28 telephone lines were disconnected, security sources said.

Tourism promotion and business activities have been affected due to the lack of telephone connectivity, said Raj Kumar Shrestha, owner of a telephone booth.

Tourists do not like to stay here for long due to the lack of telephone connectivity, said Buddha Shrestha, a local.

Bam Bahadur Shreesha, chief of the Tanahun-based Nepal Telecom office, said: “The telephone lines were disconnected a week ago following a written order from the local administration.”

Locals have been urging the concerned authority to reconnect the phone lines. Stating that phone lines were disconnected on security grounds, CDO Tekbir Jung Rayamajhi said: “The services will be resumed soon.”