KNZ NEWS DESK
Srinagar: The government has directed all the security forces in Kashmir valley to be vigilant on Eid-ul-fitr.
The senior officers of police and civil administration have also been asked to be available at their district headquarters to monitor the situation closely in the state.
Sources said that the steps are being taken as precautionary measures and to avoid any violence. “The DCs and SSPs have also been directed to monitor the situation very closely to avoid law and order problem in the valley,” a senior official said.
“Security forces including Police, CRPF, have been asked to take extra vigil on the Eid occasion senior officials dealing with law and order problem have also been told to be available at their respective districts and not to leave without the permission of designated authorities,” one of the government officials insisted not to be named told KNS.
Sources said it has also been decided to make additional deployment of security personnel in sensitive places on the Eid day and before it. This is being done to avoid recurrence and to keep proper vigil on the situation.
Police said they are committed to ensure “peaceful” Eid. “We don’t want law and order problem should emerge on the Eid. We are fully prepared that no untoward incident happens on Eid and want safety and security of the people. People should celebrate this festival without any problem,” an official said.
The government had a bitter experience in the past, when protests broke out in several parts of Kashmir valley on Eid occasions, prompting authorities to impose restrictions.
Clashes also broke out on Eid occasions in 2016, 2017, 2015 and 2014. In 2013, communal violence broke out in Kishtwar district after Eid-ul-Fitr prayers following which protests spread to various parts of the state.
Sources said that the activities of all those youth who had been arrested. Released on the charges of stone pelting in the past are being properly monitored.
Meanwhile sources said that the government has almost decided not to release the jailed separatist leaders before the Eid-ul-Fitr.
This decision according to police sources has been taken to ensure no trouble is created on the Eid by these separatists who are lying in different jails.
Hurriyat leaders have demanded the release of all the political prisoners before theEid.
A senior police official said police was yet to take any decision over releasing of any political prisoners. “So far it has been decided that no one will be released before the Eid,” the official said.
Another official said it was outside the domain of police to release any prisoner on its own. “No such decision has been taken since we have to adhere the court orders before releasing any prisoner,” he said. (KNS)
