This Article is From Sep 14, 2016

Kashmir Shut Down On Eid, No Prayers At Mosques, Shrines

In Srinagar, people were not allowed to pray at the most revered shrines. (PTI Photo)

Srinagar: It was the first time in Kashmir's recorded history that Eid prays were not allowed in major shrines and mosques and Eidgahs on Tuesday, as the government imposed curfew in all 10 districts of the valley.

In Srinagar, the people were not allowed to pray at the most revered shrines, including Hazatbal, Eidgah and Jama Masjid.

Peer Mohammad Hussain, the Imam of Sayed Sahib mosque could not offer Eid prayers for the first time in 52 years. The main gate of the mosque remained locked as part of the government's security measures - taken in face of the massive protests since the killing of terrorist Burhan Wani.

"I'm very upset, It is a day of mourning," Imam Quadri said.

In normal times, all VIPs and political leaders frequent this shrine. Today, none of them were seen. The common people who could manage to reach here despite the strict curfew, returned disappointed.

The government says the curfew was imposed to prevent protests in the wake of separatists' call for a march on Eid but people defied curfew at several places.

Two people were killed and dozens injured in firing by security forces in Bandipore and Shopian. With these deaths, the number of civilian killings is now 80 one during the current unrest.

In south Kashmir, which has been worst hit by the protests, the army deployed one additional brigade comprising three artillery battalions. Sources say more troops are on way to contain the unrest.

The induction of more troops and the curfew on Eid is seen an indication that the government is relying more on security measures than any substantial public outreach to resolve the civilian unrest.
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