Jammu and Kashmir celebrates Eid al-Adha amid heightened security

Jammu and Kashmir on Monday marked its first Eid, after the revocation of Article 370 of Indian Constitution which special status to the state, amid massive security arrangements. Devotees in large number were seen offering namaaz in Jammu today morning. Similarly, the administration has taken several steps in the Valley to reduce inconvenience and ease facilities during Eid-al-Adha celebrations.

According to officials, several 'mandies' and markets have been established in Srinagar city and authorities have also deployed mobile vans for the door to door delivery of vegetables, LPG cylinders, poultry, and eggs during the Eid, the biggest festival for the Valley.

#WATCH SRINAGAR: People offered namaz in the morning at Mohalla mosques on #EidAlAdha, today; J&K police officials greet people outside a neighbourhood mosque #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/5gcZeYqCWz

— ANI (@ANI) August 12, 2019

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Earlier on Sunday, a meeting was held between clerics and the Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Baseer Khan, Inspector General of Police (Kashmir) Swayam Prakash Pani and Srinagar District Magistrate Shahid Choudhary to ensure a peaceful and smooth Eid. More than 250 ATMs have been made functional in Srinagar and bank branches were also open for the convenience of the people.

"I am conscious of the fact it needs a lot more for a normal and enjoyable Eid. We are trying to reduce inconveniencies and ease facilities. Just had an elaborate meeting with Imaams for prayer arrangements. Visited venues," Srinagar District Magistrate tweeted.

In the valley, people thronged the market places during the relaxation provided for purchases before Eid-al-Adha also known as Bakr Eid.

Magistrates have been deployed at every critical place to act as facilitators for the convenience of the general public, an official spokesperson said. A top government official said people will be allowed to visit neighbourhood mosques to offer prayers during the Eid-al-Adha, also called the festival of sacrifice, on Monday.

The state administration had eased the prohibitory orders in Kashmir Valley for the past few days for the people to make purchases for Eid.

"The situation in the state has remained normal so far. No untoward incident has been reported from anywhere so far," said a tweet by the official handle of the J&K Police on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people on Eid al-Adha and hoped that the festival will further the spirit of peace and happiness in the society.

"My best wishes on the occasion of Eid-al-Adha. I hope it furthers the spirit of peace and happiness in our society. Eid Mubarak!," the prime minister wrote on Twitter.

In his speech to the nation on August 9 post the revocation of Article 370, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured that the people of the state would not face any trouble in celebrating Eid and that the situation in the valley will return to normal gradually.

Jammu and Kashmir has been under lockdown since the government on August 5 abrogated Article 370, and has divided the state into two union territories.