As an Indian I would say this action by the government was both very unfortunate and very un-pragmatic.

However, it would be worthwhile to note that it was the elected and relatively autonomous state government of Jammu and Kashmir which enforced this ban.

It seems there was a sense of panic in the J&K government because of the recent rise in terrorist attacks, and waving of ISIS flags each Friday in Srinagar. So they thought that some elements - of all shades/religions - might use this occasion to incite communal tensions between the Hindu and Muslim residents of state. Not a reason valid enough IMHO, but worth to note.

Anyways they would be held accountable for this in the next elections, so let's hope it never happens again.