Restrictions were eased to allow people in Kashmir to offer Friday prayers in local mosques, officials said as security forces were put on high alert across the Valley in an apparent move to prevent possible protests. The decision to ease the restrictions was taken after National Security Advisor Ajit Doval directed authorities to ensure that no Kashmiris were harassed, they said.
Phone services and internet have been partly restored in the state for the first time in five days. Thousands of security personnel remain positioned across the Kashmir Valley to watch out for any trouble following the centre's decision to end special status and turn the state into two union territories.
Earlier in the day, CPM leader Sitaram Yechury was detained at the Srinagar airport and denied entry into the city. The Left leaders had gone to the Srinagar to meet their party colleagues. He was later sent back to Delhi.
Yesterday, in his 38 minute speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had assured that the centre's decisions would remove hurdles to Jammu and Kashmir's development and make it the world's top tourist destination.
The Prime Minister's special address came two days after the government's move on Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed no major incident of violence over the past three days. On Wednesday, visuals of National Security Adviser Ajit Doval chatting and sharing a meal of traditional Kashmiri Wazwan with locals in the Kashmir Valley emerged amid lockdown.
The parliament has approved a resolution abrogating special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution. It also cleared a bill to split the state into two union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Over 300 political leaders, including former chief ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah, remain in custody as part of the government's measures since midnight on Sunday to avoid trouble.
Over 40,000 troops have been stationed in Jammu and Kashmir, sent over the past weeks in the government's meticulous preps for its Article 370 move.
Here are the Highlights on situation in Jammu and Kashmir:
Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to come into existence as separate Union Territories on October 31. pic.twitter.com/5FrN5PKkSs
- ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2019
Jammu&Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik today visited various localities including Rawalpora, Rambagh, Jawahar Nagar, Sonwar and Rajbagh, in Srinagar. Governor visited the Lalla Ded Hospital and G.B. Pant Children Hospital in Sonwar. pic.twitter.com/HfVAlhpy7m
- ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2019
Dr Vinay Thusoo, Official Spokesperson of University of Jammu: This is for the information of all concerned that University of Jammu shall remain open on 10th August 2019 (Saturday). However, schedule of admissions, classwork and examinations shall be notified separately. pic.twitter.com/54T2cymNkG
- ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2019
Jammu & Kashmir: DG CRPF, Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar assesses the deployment of CRPF troops in the downtown area of Srinagar. pic.twitter.com/0cSgljWdpg
- ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2019
Jammu and Kashmir: Locals arrive at a mosque in Doda to offer Friday prayers. pic.twitter.com/kcgi4zN3p1
- ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2019
J&K: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Governor Satya Pal Malik & discussed with him the situation in J&K,they expressed satisfaction regarding the overall situation. Governor also discussed about arrangements made by admn to facilitate people for observance of Eid-ul-Azha pic.twitter.com/ptFDN916DP
- ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2019
Jammu and Kashmir: Locals arrive at a mosque in Srinagar to offer Friday prayers. pic.twitter.com/TybIHlsYOL
- ANI (@ANI) August 9, 2019
.@SitaramYechury has being detained at Srinagar Airport and not allowed to move anywhere. This despite the fact that he had informed the administration about his visit to meet CPIM MLA MY Tarigami who is not well & other party workers.
- CPI (M) (@cpimspeak) August 9, 2019
We strongly protest this illegal detention.
Srinagar Police is here to help you.
- Srinagar Police. (@PoliceSgr) August 9, 2019
For the families ,students,businessmen staying outside the valley and wishing to know the welfare of their nears and dears can send an advanced SMS stating full details of families here on following numbers:
9419037186
9419001083
Administration in Jammu & Kashmir is prompt and responsive to all needs of people traveling to or from Srinagar. DC Srinagar Shahid Chaudhary IAS @listenshahid is responding to each request on Twitter by giving details of phone numbers / buses / trains. #JammuAndKashmir
- IAS Association (@IASassociation) August 8, 2019
