A series of pings on cellphones across Darjeeling post Monday midnight heralded the resumption of internet services that had been severed nearly 100 days ago, plunging people in the Hills into virtual darkness.

The lifting of the Net ban paved the way for normality to return in the Hills. The re-establishment of services not only saw people return to the social media with a vengeance, it also enabled online bank transactions, including ATM services, that is crucial for resumption of trade and commerce in the Hills.

Darjeeling DM Joyoshi Das Gupta said the internet ban had been lifted from Tuesday but was subject to scrutiny . "As of now, we have withdrawn the Net ban. However, we will assess the situation and keep a close watch to see what is being uploaded and shared in various social networking sites," she said.