Jammu: Phone services and the internet were partly restored here Friday after five days of security lockdown in the valley. The services were started keeping in mind the fast approaching Eid festival. The move also came about to facilitate Friday prayers.
However, a large number of security personnel remained positioned across the Valley to watch out for any trouble following the centre’s decision to end special status and turn the state into two Union Territories. Restrictions on cell phone and internet use may be further decreased if Friday’s prayers pass off without any untoward incident.
It should be stated here that the gates of the Jama Masjid in Srinagar remained shut. Administrative officials however, informed that prayers will be allowed in small mosques but not the Jama Masjid which can host a large number of people.
Earlier Thursday Governor Satyapal Malik had reviewed the situation. He then assured that restrictions would be softened for Friday prayers and Eid festival next week.
However, more than 400 political leaders, including former Chief Ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah, continued to remain under house arrest.
It should also be stated here that Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the nation Thursday on the Kashmir issue had said the government would ensure that people didn’t face any difficulties during Eid celebrations, Monday.
“The government will give all possible help to our friends who live outside Jammu and Kashmir and want to go back for Eid,” Modi had said. Because of the communication breakdown, people of the state living in other parts of the country were not able to contact their families.
Agencies