Eid in Kashmir Today Amidst Hopes of "Eid Package" from India,

Eid in Kashmir Today Amidst Hopes of "Eid Package" from India,

Srinagar, Sept 20: The Eid-ul-Fitr marking the culmination of the holy month of fasting will be celebrated in Indian administered Kashmir on Saturday amidst hopes of "Eid package" from the Government of India.

The markets in Kashmir, which has been witnessing turmoil since June 11 when a teenager was killed in police action, remained abuzz with shoppers. The mutton, bakery and confectionery shops and readymade garment outlets witnessed a modest rush on the second day today. Although most of the bakery shops had exhausted their stocks yesterday but they had prepared some items and the stocks did not last for the day.

There were traffic snarls and people faced a tough time in reaching to their destinations. A heavy rush led to frequent traffic jams in various places especially across the Dalgate-Batamaloo stretch. On the two kilometer stretch from residency road to Jehangir Chowk, people said they had a hard time reaching their destinations.

There was also a beeline of rush in ATMs and people withdrew money to spend on the Eid festival, which will be celebrated on Saturday amidst religious fervor and gaity.

Meanwhile, thousands of people attended Friday prayers at mosques and shrines across Kashmir.

The Eid will be celebrated amidst anticipation that the Government of India may announce an "Eid package" for Kashmiris to restore peace and tranquility in the region. There are indications that the Government of India may amend Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), granting impunity to Indian soldiers deployed in Kashmir, release prisoners and announced compensation for the civilians killed in Kashmir during past three months of unrest.

At least 70 persons, mostly teenagers, have died in police and paramilitary soldiers firing in the region since June 11, triggering massive anti-India demonstrations, prompting authorities to impose curfew and restrictions. The separatists have responded accordingly and are giving shutdown calendars and these calendars are being religiously followed by people across the region.