Phone services and internet were partly restored today. Also, the restrictions in movement were eased to facilitate Friday prayers after five days of security lockdown in Kashmir valley. As per media reports, the gates of the Jama Masjid in Srinagar were shut, indicating that prayers were unlikely in the city’s main mosque. However, prayers would be allowed in smaller mosques in the interiors and enough personnel had been posted to ensure order. Restrictions may be reduced further if the prayers take place without any trouble. As, around 400 political leaders, including former Chief Ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah, remain in custody as the state administration tries to avoid protests or rallies. Governor Satyapal Malik yesterday reviewed the situation and assured that restrictions would be softened for Friday prayers and Eid festival next week. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also addressed the nation on his Kashmir decisions on Thursday, saying that the government would ensure that people didn’t face any difficulties during Eid-ul-Adha celebrations on Monday.
