The situation in Jammu and Kashmir is peaceful and the newlyformed union territory is gradually coming back to normalcy, said GovernorSatya Pal Malik after taking stock of the situation. The BJP-led Narendra Modigovernment earlier this week scrapped Article 370, Article 35A and bifurcatedJammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories (UTs). President Ram Nath Kovindon Friday gave assent to the legislation that will come into existence onOctober 31.

Applauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech afterArticle 370 was scrapped, Governor Malik on Friday said, "PM Modi's speechhas had a calming effect. The situation is peaceful."

Governor Malik's speech came a few days ahead ofEid-ul-Azha. Speaking on the festival, he assured that relaxations will begiven before and on Eid, adding that the festival will be celebrated in aproper manner. He took note of various animal mandis allowed at different placesby the administration for buying and selling of animals on the occasion of Eid.He also took stock of the ration supply in fair price shops which were seenopen in various localities on Friday. An arrangement has been made for over 2lakh goats and 30 lakh poultry.

The Governor said that a total of 1,600 employees are onduty to ensure essential services like power supply, water and sanitation.Another 10,000 people in Kashmir are reporting for their duties. He alsoasserted that the ATMs of most of the banks are operational. An advance salaryfor August of daily wage workers has also been released.'Langars' are operatingat TRC, hospitals and other public places in Srinagar. We have two months stockof ration. There is sufficient stock of petrol, diesel and regular supply forLPG," said the Governor.

On the matter of reopening of schools and colleges, theofficial spokesperson of the University of Jammu, Dr Vinay Thusoo, said,"This is for the information of all concerned that the University of Jammushall remain open on August 10. However, schedule of  admissions, classwork and examinations  shall be notified separately."

District Commissioner of Reasi district, Indu Kanwal Chibsaid that all schools and colleges in Reasi will also open on Friday. The UnionTerritory of Jammu and Kashmir will have a Lieutenant Governor and its Assemblywill consist of 107 seats, which will increase to 114 after delimitation ofconstituencies. Twenty-four seats in the Assembly will remain vacant as theyfall under Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Union Territory of Ladakh willnot have a Legislative Assembly.