Curfew-like restrictions imposed in SeK, downtown Srinagar

Srinagar, Jan 13 : Authorities on Saturday imposed curfew-like restrictions in downtown and Shehar-e-Khas (SeK) besides parts of civil lines in Srinagar to prevent any demonstrations following strike called by separatists against the civilian deaths, allegedly in security force actions in the Kashmir valley.

The main gates of historic Jamia Masjid, the stronghold of moderate Hurriyat Conference (HC) chairman Mirwaiz Moulvi Omar Farooq, have been closed to prevent devotees from going inside. The Mirwaiz remained under house arrest since last evening to prevent him from leading any demonstration.

Police said that restrictions have been imposed in the SeK and downtown areas falling under the jurisdiction of police station M R Gunj, Nowhatta, Safa Kadal, Khanyar and Rainawari. Similar restrictions had been imposed in some areas under police station Maisuma in the civil lines and Kralkhud in the old city. Police said there was no restriction on government employees and essential services.


However, the situation on the ground was entirely different as all main and link roads remained closed with barbed wire and by parking bulletproof vehicles in the middle to prevent any vehicular and pedestrian movement. Large number of security forces and state police personnel, remained deployed in strength to implement the restrictions.

The main Nallahmar road from Nawa Kadal to Khanyar crossing had been closed at several places with barbed wire. Residents on both sides of the busy road alleged that they were not being allowed to move out of their houses by the security forces deployed after every feet.

The vegetable vendors and milkmen were also not allowed to enter the restricted areas, they said and alleged that local bread makers also could not open their shops because of restrictions. However, the Safa Kadal road to S K Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) was open but only patients and paramedical staff besides ambulances were being allowed.

Similar situation was also witnessed in other areas, including Nowhatta, Malaratta and other areas. All roads leading to Jamia Masjid have been closed and nobody was being allowed to go towards the worship place, where the Mirwaiz addressed the Friday congregation yesterday.