Curfew was re-imposed in Srinagar on the eve of Eid, even as state police stressed the situation was peaceful in the state that has been in lockdown since the Narendra Modi government decided to repeal Article 370, which granted special status to the state.
Eid, the biggest festival for the Valley, is a quiet affair this time, with markets in Srinagar and other parts of the Valley remaining shut.
Jammu and Kashmir DGP Dilbagh Singh said, "No congregations are allowed. People are allowed to move in their local area".
The bakeries in Srinagar, which would go out of stock on Arfa (a day before Eid), have been unable to sell even 10% of what they used to.
The purchase of clothes and gifts did not start even a week before Eid. People barely managed to navigate their way past the barricades manned by paramilitary troops in order to buy some bakery products and other essentials.
Kashmir is under a clampdown, with paramilitary troops fanning across the Valley and Section 144 (restricting the assembly of four or more people in public) imposed. All telephone communication and internet services have been snapped.
Earlier this week, restrictions were eased to allow people to offer Friday prayers in local mosques, officials said as security forces were put on high alert across the Valley in an apparent move to prevent possible protests. People were reportedly allowed to visit mosques in their localities without being asked any questions by security personnel.
Source: News-18