On the occasion of holy Eid Kashmir is boiling from rage, deaths and protests. After authorities lifted curfew from all over the Kashmir a ray of hope was expected that possibly the situation was under control and Kashmiris could live their normal life. But the hope and peace is now far away from the valley.
For the first time authorities imposed curfew on Eid in all 10 districts of Kashmir. Even drones and helicopters were deployed for surveillance.
Protesters clashed with security forces in Bandipora, in which a man was killed and many were injured. Since the protest has started the death toll in violent clashes is now 80.
For the first time people have been asked to offer their prayers at local mosques not in famous Hazratbal Shrine. This is for the first time in 26 years that no Eid celebration will be held in the shrine.
A Kashmiri poet and social activist Zarief Ahmad Zarief said, “In my life of 70 years, I have never seen such a situation when you are facing curbs on Eid day. This is the most sacred day for us and on this day such helplessness, desperation and restrictions.”
In this festive day Srinagar’s marketplace is deserted today. Shops, sweet shops, bakeries are closed. Shepherds who waited a year for this day to sell their goats and sheep, they had no customers.
Assembly of large number of people took the decision to impose curfew because of the fear of fresh violence and a call by separatists for a march to the local offices of the United Nations on the day of Eid.
Today the soldiers have been deployed at vantage points in rural areas. The army is on standby and will take action only when there is any violence.
For the next 72 hours Internet services, mobile telephony have been seized except the post-paid connection of BSNL which are mainly used by army, police and government officials. Helicopters and drones have been deployed to monitor the situation and in case the protesters gathered in the streets it will give warning to the security forces.
But Opposition National Conference criticized the government for its decision to impose curfew. Opposition said Mehbooba Mufti’s government has no control over the situation.
