Jammu and Kashmir celebrates Eid after revocation of special status

Amid massive security arrangements, Jammu and Kashmir on Monday marked its first Eid after the revocation of its special status, even as the state administration held a meeting with local clerics to oversee prayer arrangements and ensure peaceful celebrations.

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.

Choudhary, who visited some of the mosques and grounds where prayers will be offered, said he was trying to reduce inconvenience and ease facilities.

"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," he tweeted.

He also said that more than 250 ATMs have been made functional in Srinagar and bank branches were also open.

Baseer Khan said the administration was doing everything to ensure a peaceful Eid.

The Jammu and Kashmir 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.

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

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.