Situation in J&K returning to normalcy

In Jammu and Kashmir, situation continues to be peaceful on the fifth consecutive day yesterday even as people offered Friday prayers amid restrictions in Kashmir Valley. Meanwhile joint action committee (Jac) Kargil yesterday announced suspension of strike till Eid festival.

In Jammu Division, situation is limping back to normalcy in all the five districts of Jammu region including Jammu district where prohibitory orders imposed under section 144 have been withdrawn yesterday. All education institutions have been ordered to be opened from today. 

While restrictions were relaxed but continued in five other districts including Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Rajouri and Poonch. According to divisional commissioner Jammu, a decision on lifting of restrictions and reopening of educational institutions in five sensitive districts of Doda, Kishtwar, Ram ban, Rajouri and Poonch will be taken after Eid celebrations.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and CRPF Director General Rajiv Bhatnagar yesterday visited Kashmir and held separate reviews of security situation in the valley where people offered Friday prayers in their local mosques. 1600 employees are on duty to ensure availability of essential commodities



like power, water, sanitation and medicines  while over 10,000 officials in Kashmir are reporting for duties.   

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik yesterday visited various hospitals and areas to get a first-hand appraisal of the situation. During hospital visits, he interacted with doctors, patients and parents of children and directed officials for all possible healthcare services to patients. 

Accompanied by senior officials, Malik also took a tour of the city and visited Rawalpora, Rambagh, Jawahar Nagar, Sonwar and Rajbagh areas. The governor expressed satisfaction on provisioning of basic facilities, ration supply to residents, functioning of ATMs and overall peace and calm prevailing in the city. He also reviewed the arrangements ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.

Yesterday, the authorities relaxed the restrictions imposed on gathering of people, who participated in the Friday prayers. 

The situation has remained peaceful in the state since the government move on Article 370. Private vehicles were seen plying on city roads and people stepped out of their residences to buy articles, vegetables and fruits for daily consumption.