Jammu and Kashmir: Phone and internet services partially restored to ease Friday prayers

Phone and internet services were restored partially in Jammu and Kashmir, after five days on Thursday and clampdown in movement was eased in view of Friday prayers. Over thousands of security personnel remain stationed across the state following the scrapping of Article 370 to end special status and divide into two union territories.

According to a report in NDTV, prayers in Srinagar’s main mosque Jama Masjid is unlikely to take place as the gates were shut. Prayers would be allowed in smaller mosques in the interiors, said officials.

Restrictions can be eased further if the prayers take place without any trouble, officials said.

Former Chief Ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah and around 400 political leaders are still in custody as the government tries to avoid protests or rallies.

Governor Satyapal Malik on Wednesday reviewed the situation and assured that restrictions would be softened for Friday prayers and Eid festival next week.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation on his Kashmir decisions on Thursday said the government would ensure that people didn't face any difficulties during Eid-ul-Adha celebrations on Monday.

"The government is providing every possible help to our friends who live outside Jammu and Kashmir and want to go back for Eid," PM Modi said.

Because of a communication breakdown, people of the state living in other parts of the country were not able to contact their families.