SRINAGAR: In view of recent mob frenzy and increased incidence of deadly attacks by militants, the Muslim policemen in Jammu and Kashmir have been asked to offer Eid prayers in protected mosques and avoid relocating to general mosques, common prayer grounds (Eidgahs) and isolated areas.
Eid al-Fitr which marks the end of Muslim fasting month of Ramazan is likely to be observed in Jammu and Kashmir and major other parts of the country and rest of South Asia on Monday. The past few weeks witnessed a series of terror attacks on policemen across the restive Valley. In one such attack that took place on June 16 in Acchawal area of southern Anantnag district, six policemen including Station House officer Feroz Ahmed Dar were killed by LeT militants. On the June 22 night, a police deputy superintendent Muhammad Ayub Pandith was lynched by a mod outside Srinagar’s Grand Mosque.
Inspector General of Police (Kashmir range) Muneer Ahmed Khan has issued an advisory, asking policemen to stay away from places of worship which are not secured. He has termed the advisory “a preventive measure” aimed at ensuring their safety. Marked as “most urgent” communication, it asks senior officers to “instruct the field and subordinate formation" not to offer Eid prayers in isolated or general mosques or Eidgahs.
“You are advised to instruct the field and subordinate formations that they shall not offer Id prayers in isolated or general mosques or Eidgahs,” reads the advisory. It has asked the police personnel to offer Eid prayers in mosques in district police lines in Srinagar and nearby Police Control Room.
It adds, “In other districts also, Eid prayers shall be offered in DPL mosques or protected mosques where the safety of your personnel is ensured.” The advisory has been sent also to the Army and paramilitary forces.
