Amid Vigil, Namaz Offered in Local J&K Mosques, Not in Jama Masjid

Jammu & Kashmir remains under heavy security cover.

(Photo: Shadab Moizee/The Quint)

Video Producer: Debayan Dutta

Video Editor: Purnendu Pritam

After being confined to their homes for days, people in Kashmir offered prayers (Namaz) in their local mosques amid tight security on Friday, 9 August. However, prayers could not be held in the famous Jama Masjid in Srinagar, where more than 30,000 people normally assemble for prayers.

The prayers today held significance as it was the first Friday since the effective revocation of Article 370.

Minor incidents of stone-pelting and protests took place in Sopore, according to news agency PTI, even as heavy security arrangements are still in place to prevent possible protests.

The communication lines – both Internet and telephone – remain snapped. However, the government has launched two helpline numbers for the residents.

People willing to travel still need to obtain a curfew pass that is being issued only to government officials and relatives of patients.

As for medical facilities, people are being allowed inside hospitals upon requesting the authorities, while an ambulance can be contacted only through the local police. Emergency drugs are available in the hospitals.

The clampdown in Kashmir was imposed on Monday, 5 August, hours before the Centre revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and split it into two union territories of Ladakh, and Jammu and Kashmir.

Security forces have been deployed in massive numbers across the Valley, particularly in Srinagar city and major towns, and barricades have been erected every 100 metres.

(With inputs from PTI)