SRINAGAR/ NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir is bracing for a tense Eid as the administration has decided to allow namaz at neighbourhood mosques but will not permit large congregations and worship at bigger masjids due to concerns that trouble makers may infiltrate such gatherings.

The buzz and activity a day ahead of Eid, even though major shops and business establishments remained closed, will give way to a more regulated situation on Monday. On Sunday, though, markets were abuzz with shoppers mostly purchasing sheep and goats for the religious obligation of sacrificing the animal on Eid-ul-Zuha on Monday.

The police, keen to ensure that Eid passes off without incident, made announcements through loudspeakers from their vehicles for re-imposition of Section 144. There were reports of stone-pelting in downtown Srinagar too which made the security forces more cautious.

In Kashmir, there will be no further relaxation in communications on Eid. Restrictions on landlines, mobile, internet, broadband will continue as they are, said sources in J&K police. Movement of people, which was allowed to facilitate pre-Eid shopping, will not be permitted on Monday. Prayers in the morning will be facilitated at “area mosques”. The restriction on movement of residents is intended to prevent “unlawful assembly” that can turn into a stone-pelting mob. “There is a need to take more precautions on Eid as there will be readymade crowds,” said a senior official.

Security forces are wary of large crowds at big mosques or large prayer grounds like Eidgah, Jamia Masjid and Hazratbal. In Jammu, Section 144 has been lifted from all 10 districts. However, three-four towns, including Kishtwar, Bhaderwah and Poonch, will see restrictions under Section 144 for Eid.

300 special phone booths set up to ease communication

Srinagar district magistrate Shahid Choudhary said he was conscious Eid was being celebrated under unusual circumstances but said efforts were being made to reduce inconveniences and ease facilities. “Had an elaborate meeting with imams for prayer arrangements,” he said, underlining the efforts to ensure a peaceful Eid.

Intelligence reports suggest there could some attempt by miscreants to create trouble on Monday soon after special Eid namaz but the authorities are looking to step up arrangements to contain the law and order situation, a senior police officer said.

Meanwhile, the state government made special arrangements for people here to speak to relatives and friends in other parts of the country in the absence of any telephone or mobile service. According to the official spokesman, 300 special telephone booths are being established to help public to communicate with their kin.

Residents were expecting that landline phones may be restored in the Valley on the occasion of Eid but the authorities have not so far taken such a decision, sources said.

State authorities ensured treasuries and banks remained functional. ATMs were functioning smoothly. It has been ensured that cash is replenished on regular basis. Importantly, salaries of all employees were being released.

Special and elaborate arrangements have been made for safe return of Hajis from Saudi Arabia , for which flights will commence on August 18. All deputy commissioners have nominated their nodal officers who will be stationed at airports from August 18.

Rebutting media reports, inspector general of police, Kashmir range, S P Pani on Sunday said there was no major law and order problem reported from anywhere in the Valley since last Monday and the security forces never resorted to firing anywhere. He said the situation was by and large peaceful across the Valley.

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