Jammu & Kashmir: Phone Services, Internet Partially Restored Ahead of Eid-ul-Azha Celebrations, Say Reports
The relaxation comes ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, which will be celebrated by the Muslim-majority Valley on August 12. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the nation on Monday, said he wants to assure Kashmiris that they would be facing no major inconvenience on the occasion of Eid.
Srinagar, August 9: Phone services and the internet have partially been restored in Jammu & Kashmir following five days of clampdown, reports said on Friday. The restrictions were imposed by the government in view of possible unrest following the abrogation of Article 370 and modifying the state into a Union Territory.
The relaxation comes ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, which will be celebrated by the Muslim-majority Valley on August 12. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the nation on Monday, said he wants to assure Kashmiris that they would be facing no major inconvenience on the occasion of Eid. UN Chief Invokes Shimla Agreement, Calls for 'Maximum Restraint' on Kashmir
"Government will ensure a safe environment for smooth celebrations of the festival," Modi said, further acknowledging that the restrictionary measures imposed since Monday have subjected the locals to hardship.
"The freedom from Article 370 is a reality. But another reality is that people have faced problems due to the precautionary measures (taken by the government). They are facing that too," he added.
The partial lifting on curbs also came ahead of the congregational prayers on Friday. Though the administration has kept Srinagar's Jama Masjid under lockdown, they are reportedly allowing Muslims in some localities to assemble and pray in smaller mosques.
By Sunday, the curfew is expected to be relaxed in view of Eid celebrations the next day. On the occasion, large congregational prayers are organised in the morning, followed by the sacrificing of cattle by several households.
Kashmir, however, remains on the edge as security analysts fear resentment among locals over the move to scrap their special status and convert the state into a union territory.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 09, 2019 12:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).