J-K: Governor Malik reviews arrangements for Friday prayers, Eid celebrations

Amid Jammu and Kashmir lockdown, Governor Satyapal Malik on Wednesday reviewed the arrangements for the Friday prayers and celebration of Eid-ul-Azha in the coming week. Governor Malik issued directions to facilitate the return of J-K students, who wish to come back home for Eid celebrations and sanctioned Rs 1 lakh each to designated Liaison officers for organising festivities for students who're unable to return.

He also passed directions for setting up telephone lines in Deputy Commissioners’ offices for students from J&K, studying in other states, to talk to their families back home.   

In a meeting at Raj Bhawan, Governor Satya Pal Malik was informed that in order to facilitate people for buying animals on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, Mandis will be set up at different locations in the Valley while ration shops, grocery and medicine stores have been asked to remain open on this occasion.

Also, National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval has been stationed in Kashmir to ensure smooth transition of power and responsibilities to the new administrative structure in Jammu and Kashmir

Doval is expected to hold discussions with all stakeholders, including bureaucracy and security forces a day after the Rajya Sabha approved the resolution withdrawing the state's special status under Article 370 and the bill proposing that it be bifurcated into the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Doval also met Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik in Srinagar at the Raj Bhavan and discussed the prevailing internal and external security scenario in the state, a Raj Bhawan spokesperson said.

Both of them stressed upon the need to ensure safety and security of general public and emphasised upon the need to maintain constant vigil, alertness and preparedness by various departments to meet any unforeseen situation, the spokesperson added.

The Centre on Monday got passed from the Rajya Sabha a resolution revoking the provisions of Article 370 that gave Jammu and Kashmir a special status.