Curfew-like restrictions in SeK, downtown in Srinagar

Srinagar, Mar 12 : Curfew-like restrictions have been imposed in the Shehar-e-Khas (SeK), downtown and parts of old city and civil lines in Srinagar as precautionary measure to prevent any law and order problem following killing of three militants in an encounter with security forces in south Kashmir district of Anantnag in the wee hours of Monday.

Meanwhile, police have sought people's cooperation to maintain law and order in summer capital, Srinagar.

The main gates of historic Jamia Masjid, stronghold of chairman of moderate Hurriyat Conference (HC) Mirwaiz Moulvi Omar Farooq, have been closed to foil any demonstration.

Police said Restrictions under Section 144 CrPC have been imposed in the areas falling under the jurisdiction of police station M R Gunj, Nowhatta, Safa Kadal, Khanyar and Rainwari in the downtown and SeK. Restrictions have also been imposed in parts of areas under police station of Maisuma in civil lines.

However, the situation on the ground was entirely different as security forces and state police personnel deployed in the downtown and SeK were directing people to remain indoor. The entire Nallahmar road, which otherwise remained busy, have been closed for any traffic or pedestrian movement. Security forces had closed the road with barbed wire and by parking bullet proof vehicles in the middle at different places, including Tarabal, Nawa Kadal, Kawdara, Rajouri Kadal, Ali Kadal and Khanyar.

People in these areas alleged that they were not being allowed to move out of their houses by the security forces deployed after every ten feet. The milkmen and vegetable sellers could not come from outskirts due to restrictions. The local bread makers also could not open their shops. Buses of different educational institutions were sent back by the security forces and not allowed to enter the restricted area. The district administration in Srinagar later announced closure of all educational institutions in the district.

However, the road to S K Institute of Medical Sciences from Safa Kadal and Eidgah was open though medical staff and patients only were being allowed to move.

All roads leading to Jamia Masjid were closed at Rangar stop, Nowhatta and Hawal to prevent people from assembling and organize protests at worship place. All main gates of the Masjid remained closed since this morning. Similar restrictions had been imposed in other areas down town and SeK.

A police spokesman, taking to micro-blogging site Twitter, said, “ Your police seeks cooperation of citizens for maintaining order and ensuring peace. Today you will find restrictions in some parts of city # Srinagar. While it is a cause of inconvenience, we assure these control orders are temporary. For any assistance pl dial 100.@JmuKmrPolice”.