And I think GoP and Rangers must be commended for helping this happen. It would'nt be possible without their help in controlling infiltration.
After 18 yrs, peaceful Eid in Valley - India - NEWS - The Times of India
SRINAGAR: During the last 18 years of militancy, religious fervor in the Kashmir Valley has been subdued by blasts and killings. But, this
Eid-ul-Fitr was different: There was no violence or even the customarily shrill `azadi' speeches.
That's not to say there wasn't a flutter either: Soon after Eid prayers at various shrines in Srinagar on Monday, Hurriyat activists marched toward the Hyderpora house of hardliner Syed Ali Shah Geelani under house arrest for the last one month. The police resorted to a mild lathi charge to dissuade them from continuing their walk.
Meanwhile Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, addressing a large gathering at the Eidgah ground notably without the rigorous security ring urged the Centre to "open a dialogue with Kashmiris to end uncertainty.'' He said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's forthcoming visit to Kashmir had created hopes of a resolution to the Kashmir issue.
For thousands of people who turned up at the prayer ground in their best dressed, the day marked a welcome change. Ghulam Mohammad Najar, a resident of Rawalpora who attended the prayers, said: "Everyone looked relaxed because there were no security men around Eidgah.''
Recalling the difficult days, Dr Rouf Jeelani of Buchpora, who too attended the Eidgah prayers, said: "The place used to be under the control of separatists. But this year, it was only religion that was being talked about.'' He hoped the situation would return to pre-1990 days.
According to Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda, there has been a sharp decline in militant activity in the last three years. "Today, people came out on the streets without fear. The police had to face a tough time regulating traffic.''
Men, women and children wearing new clothes were seen strolling along the Dal Lake Boulevard. "I haven't experienced such a huge rush here,'' said Bashir Ahmad Wani, a resident of Nishat. Special prayers were also held at Dargah Hazratbal and at the sprawling TRC Ground in Civil Lines, where Jamiat-e-Ahli Hadees chief Maulana Shawkat Ahmad Shah led a congregation.
Residents of Shopian, too, celebrated without protests
After 18 yrs, peaceful Eid in Valley - India - NEWS - The Times of India
SRINAGAR: During the last 18 years of militancy, religious fervor in the Kashmir Valley has been subdued by blasts and killings. But, this
Eid-ul-Fitr was different: There was no violence or even the customarily shrill `azadi' speeches.
That's not to say there wasn't a flutter either: Soon after Eid prayers at various shrines in Srinagar on Monday, Hurriyat activists marched toward the Hyderpora house of hardliner Syed Ali Shah Geelani under house arrest for the last one month. The police resorted to a mild lathi charge to dissuade them from continuing their walk.
Meanwhile Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, addressing a large gathering at the Eidgah ground notably without the rigorous security ring urged the Centre to "open a dialogue with Kashmiris to end uncertainty.'' He said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's forthcoming visit to Kashmir had created hopes of a resolution to the Kashmir issue.
For thousands of people who turned up at the prayer ground in their best dressed, the day marked a welcome change. Ghulam Mohammad Najar, a resident of Rawalpora who attended the prayers, said: "Everyone looked relaxed because there were no security men around Eidgah.''
Recalling the difficult days, Dr Rouf Jeelani of Buchpora, who too attended the Eidgah prayers, said: "The place used to be under the control of separatists. But this year, it was only religion that was being talked about.'' He hoped the situation would return to pre-1990 days.
According to Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda, there has been a sharp decline in militant activity in the last three years. "Today, people came out on the streets without fear. The police had to face a tough time regulating traffic.''
Men, women and children wearing new clothes were seen strolling along the Dal Lake Boulevard. "I haven't experienced such a huge rush here,'' said Bashir Ahmad Wani, a resident of Nishat. Special prayers were also held at Dargah Hazratbal and at the sprawling TRC Ground in Civil Lines, where Jamiat-e-Ahli Hadees chief Maulana Shawkat Ahmad Shah led a congregation.
Residents of Shopian, too, celebrated without protests
