Srinagar: Restrictions were further eased in 50 police station areas of the Valley on Sunday though curbs were tightened in some parts of Srinagar after stray incidents of violence and internet services snapped again in five districts of the Jammu region, a day after they were restored, as strict security arrangements continued in Jammu and Kashmir.
The first batch of 300 Haj pilgrims returned to Kashmir from Saudi Arabia on Sunday amid elaborate arrangements made by the authorities to ensure their smooth return, officials said. “The process of easing prohibitory orders is on. The restrictions were eased in 50 police station areas today as against 35 police station areas yesterday,” government spokesman Rohit Kansal told reporters here Sunday evening. Kansal said a new week is starting from Monday and “we are looking at it with a new hope”.
“Over 190 primary schools will reopen tomorrow in Srinagar alone and after this, we look forward to other areas like taking up development-related activities,” he said. Kansal said the duration of relaxation was also increased from six hours to eight hours on Sunday.
“The relaxations were announced thereby enabling people and shopkeepers to plan in advance. The relaxation hours were increased keeping in view the response yesterday and the request by traders. This process will continue in the days to come,” he said. The government spokesman said there were reports of “hooliganism by some mischievous elements coercing the shopkeepers” in some areas to shut their shops.
“The law enforcing agencies have taken note. There are no reports of any untoward incidents in the areas which witnessed relaxations. However, there are reports of two-three incidents of disturbances in which two persons have been injured who are stated to be stable. These incidents have been dealt by local security forces,” he said. On the issue of the restoration of mobile phone services in the valley, Kansal said easing of restrictions on communication will continue and the endeavour is to restore landline telephone services to the fullest as quickly as possible.
In the Jammu region, low-speed (2G) mobile Internet services were once again snapped in five districts on Sunday to check rumour-mongering, a day after the services were restored. A police official said the authorities concerned directed service providers to snap the services around forenoon. He said the decision was taken to check rumour-mongering and maintain peace and tranquillity. (PTI)
