New Delhi, Restriction on movements and gatherings in Jammu and Kashmir is unlikely to be lifted for Friday prayers as the curbs will be released on August 11, a day before Eid -ul Zoha, to allow people to prepare for the festival.
While the administration is keen to restore normalcy, there is an apprehension that the congregation at Friday prayers could turn violent.
According to a senior military official, said that places like Shopian, Pulwama, Anantnag and Sopore are under special watch as there may be trouble.The Kashmir valley has been under lockdown since Sunday midnight. The government on Monday scrapped the Article 370 which gave it a special status and its permanent residents, special privileges. Both Houses of Parliament had passed the changes on Tuesday.
The Union Home Ministry, which is now supervising law and order in the valley, did not officially clarify when restrictions and curbs imposed in the valley are likely to be removed. “There will be security arrangements in place to ensure that Friday prayers take place in a smooth and peaceful manner. The administration will facilitate people,” an MHA official was quoted as saying.
