The authorities on Friday imposed strict restrictions across the valley to stop the spread of covid-19 even as thin attendance was witnessed during congregational prayers.
Police and paramilitary forces blocked the roads with razor wire and armored vehicles. Only the vehicles carrying people from essential service departments particularly health facilities were allowed.
Shops, petrol pumps, and other business establishments were shut in most parts of the valley, while public transport was also suspended.
The main mosques across the valley recorded thin attendance of people during the congregational Friday prayers.
At Jamia Masjid Srinagar, officials said about a hundred people offered Friday prayers while as at Dargah Hazratbal only locals were present during the prayers.
During the Friday sermons, the imams made fervent appeals to people and asked them to follow the advisories issued by the authorities in letter and spirit.
The people prayed for an immediate end to the coronavirus outbreak and prayed for well being of fellow beings across the world.
Restrictions to continue on Saturday:
The government has decided to continue with some restrictions on Saturday across the valley and has appealed the people not to visit major hospitals for the treatment of minor ailments.
“We have decided to continue with some restrictions in the valley on Saturday,” Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang Kondbarao Pole, told Greater Kashmir Friday evening.
He said influx from outside to the valley is quite high and they won’t be taking any risk. “We are checking that influx and at the same time we are trying to keep people away from assemblies,” he said.
