Peaceful Friday prayers in city

Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 22

On first Friday after violence broke out in Jammu on February 15 following the Pulwama terror attack, Muslims gathered in mosques in the winter capital to offer the Friday congregational prayers.

There were no reports of any untoward incident. All mosques in the winter capital witnessed a huge rush.

As a precautionary measure, police and paramilitary men were deployed in sensitive areas such as Gujjar Nagar, Talab Khatinkan and Shaheedi Chowk to ensure the prayers were held peacefully.

“I witnessed violence from close range when protesters were setting vehicles on fire. I somehow managed to save my vehicle that day. But today, it was peaceful and we offered the Friday prayers without any hindrance,” said Imtiaz Ahmed, a resident of Prem Nagar.

Imams of several mosques emphasised tolerance and maintaining cordial relations with neighbours and fellow citizens. They condemned arson and targeting of vehicles and at the same time asked the Muslims to follow the teachings of Islam when it comes to dealing with the non-Muslims.

The winter capital witnessed violent protests on February 15 following the killing of 40 CRPF personnel in the Lethpora area of Pulwama district on February 14.

The night curfew is in place in the city and police are keeping a vigil on the movement of people. Section 144, which prohibits gathering of four or more people at one place, continues to remain in place during the day.