Kashmir highlights: J&K, Ladakh to come into existence on October 31 after President’s nod

President Ram Nath Koving gave his nod to The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 on Friday evening, ending the special status of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Article 370 and Article 35A, cleared in the parliament earlier this week, have defined the state’s relationship with the Union for seven decades now, were effectively rendered null and void. Jammu and Kashmir remained on high alert today though restrictions were lifted in the Valley to allow people to offer Friday prayers in local mosques. However, they won’t be allowed to congregate at Srinagar’s historic Jama Masjid. The Kashmir valley has been under lockdown since Sunday midnight, a day before the government moved to divide the state into two Union Territories and also scrapped Articles that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The President okayed the move soon after both houses of Parliament passed it. The Centre is monitoring the situation and on Thursday, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval reviewed the situation in a meeting held in the Police Control Room of the J&K Police. Highlights: PM Modi’s speech had a calming effect : J&K Governor Jammu and Kashmir Governor, Satya Pal Malik told ANI that PM Modi’s address to the nation on Thursday night had a calming effect. “The situation is peaceful. Relaxations will be given before and on Eid. The festival will be celebrated in a proper manner. He added that 1600 employees are on duty to ensure essential services like power supply, water and sanitation. “10,000 people in Kashmir are reporting for their duties. Most bank ATMs are operational. We’ve released advance salary for August of daily wage workers,” the Governor said. Round the clock services available for people in Kashmir: J&K Guv Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik has said that he visited the Lalla Ded Hospital and GB Pant Children Hospital today. “There are round the clock services at hospitals. Cash has been disbursed for medicines, patient welfare and for fuel for ambulances. ‘Langars’ are operating at TRC, hospitals &other public places in Srinagar. For Eid, 2.5 lakh sheeps and goats have been arranged. 30 lakh poultry has also been arranged. We have two months stock of ration. There is sufficient stock of petrol, diesel and regular supply for LPG,” he said. Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh to come into existence on October 31 Two new UTs -- Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh -- will come into existence on October 31: MHA Jammu schools, colleges reopen tomorrow, 144 removed Prohibitory orders banning congregation of more than 4 people under Section-144 has been removed from Jammu paving the way for reopening of schools and colleges in the region from tomorrow as per the order released by the Deputy Magistrate of Jammu district on Friday. Relaxation for Jammu follows an assessment that situation in the region was normal. Situation in Kashmir is under control, normal in Jammu: ADGP Muneer Khan, additional director general of police, law and order in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir has said that the situation in Jammu is normal. While in Kashmir, the situation is under control. “All steps necessary to maintain law and order will be taken,” Khan told ANI.