New Delhi, August 12: The Jammu & Kashmir authorities have said on Sunday they eased restriction in most regions of the main city, Srinagar, ahead of an Islamic holy festival Eid al-Adha following Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government’s decision to scrap Article 370 that offered special status for Jammu and Kashmir.
In a tweet, Magistrate Shahid Choudhary said over 250 ATMs were made functional and opened bank branches for the public to withdraw funds ahead of the holy festival.
Yes. More than 250 ATMs have been made functional in #Srinagar . Bank branches also open. Advance salary on Eid eve being credited today. https://t.co/wA86udZJBx pic.twitter.com/jMg8YqQ1LV
— Shahid Choudhary (@listenshahid) August 10, 2019
However, there weren’t independent confirmation of the reports by the Indian authorities that individuals were visiting places and shopping festival purchases as the internet remain shut for the straight seventh day, according to Indian news reports.
The restrictions were eased briefly for the very first time on Friday, when residers in the region were permitted to visit the mosque to attend holy prayers.
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 pic.twitter.com/FczHXrDKC5
— Shahid Choudhary (@listenshahid) August 11, 2019
The authorities in Srinagar has on Saturday night claimed protesters had been pelting stones, but “no guns firing by security forces” had been made in the past six days of curfew in the region.
State-run All India Radio cited the area’s senior bureaucrat, chief security BVR Subrahmanyam, as stating people were found coming out from their shelters for Eid shopping. Assistance home minister S Kishan Reddy also said he hoped the pertaining situation in Kashmir to become “fully peacefull” in coming 10-15 days.