Curfew-like restrictions imposed in SeK, downtown in Srinagar

Curfew-like restrictions have been imposed since early this morning in the Shehar-e-Khas (SeK) and downtown Srinagar, following strike called by separatists in protest against the arrest of seven separatist leaders by National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with “terror funding”. According to District Magistrate (DM), Srinagar, Dr Farooq Ahmad Lone, restrictions under Section 144 of CrPC have been imposed under the jurisdictions of Police Stations Nowhatta, M R Gunj, Rainawari, Khanyar and Safakadal in district Srinagar as a precautionary measure to avoid any untoward incident.

However, the situation on the ground was entirely different as security forces have closed majority of roads with barbed wire and people were being directed to remain indoors. Both the factions of the Hurriyat Conference (HC) and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), jointly spearheading the agitation, have called for a general strike to protest the arrests of seven separatists, including spokespersons, son-in-law of Syed Ali Shah Geelani by NIA yesterday. The main gates of historic Jamia Masjid, stronghold of moderate HC Mirwaiz Moulvi Omar Farooq, has again been closed.

Hundreds of security forces and state police personnel, wearing bullet proof jackets and holding automatic weapons, have been deployed outside the historic Masjid. Large number of security forces were also deployed in the Jamia market and nobody was being allowed to enter the area. The main Nallahmar road from Parimpora to Khanyar has also been closed with barbed wire at several places. Security forces have established 'nakas' in majority areas in downtown and SeK, including at Rajouri Kadal, Nawa Kadal, Rangar Stop, Nowhatta and Zaina Kadal to prevent any traffic or pedestrian movement.

However, the road to S K Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) was through though only patients, ambulances and paramedical staff were being allowed.