Curfew-like restrictions in downtown, SeK, parts of civil lines Srinagar

Srinagar, Jun 17: Curfew-like restrictions have been imposed in downtown and Shehar-e-Khas (SeK) besides parts of civil lines, Srinagar since early this morning to prevent demonstrations following strike, called by separatists against the death of three persons in alleged security force firing.

Similar restrictions have been imposed in main towns of Kulgam, Pulwama and Pampore in south Kashmir. Officials said that restrictions under Section 144 CrPC have been imposed in areas falling under five police stations of M R Gunj, Nowhatta, Khanyar, Rainawari and Safa Kadal in the downtown and SeK. However, the situation on the ground was entirely different as security forces and state police had closed all roads with barbed wire and people were being directed to remain indoors.

The main Nallahmar road from Chattabal to Khanyar has been closed and nobody was being allowed to move. However, Eidgah road, leading to S K Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), was open but only vehicles carrying patients and ambulances were being allowed after properly checking their hospital documents. Residents living on both sides of the Nallahmar road alleged that they were not being allowed to move out of their houses since early this morning by the security forces deployed there. 'We have instruction not to allow anyone and implement restrictions strictly,' security force personnel told a group of photo-journalists at Rajouri Kadal where the main road was closed with barbed wire. Similar restrictions had been imposed in other areas in the downtown and SeK. The main road at Khanyar leading to down town and SeK has also been closed.

The historic Jamia Masjid, where clashes between demonstrators and security forces erupted after Friday prayers, has been closed. The main gates have been locked and security forces could be seen deployed in Jamia Market to prevent anyone from entering there. Jamia Masjid is a stronghold of moderate Hurriyat Conference (HC) chairman Mirwaiz Moulvi Omar Farooq, who address congregation every Friday.