PM visit: Curfew-like restrictions in downtown, parts of civil lines in Srinagar

Srinagar, May 19: Curfew-like restrictions were imposed in downtown besides some areas in civil lines and old city in Srinagar as a precautionary measure in view of the 'Lal Chowk Challo' called by separatists on Saturday to protest Prime Minister Narendera Modi's visit to the Kashmir valley.

The main gates of historic Jamia Masjid, stronghold of moderate Hurriyat Conference (HC) Mirwaiz Moulvi Omar Farooq, were closed again as a precautionary measure to prevent any demonstrations.

Police said restrictions under Section 144 CrPC have been imposed in the areas falling under five stations of M R Gunj, Khanyar, Safa Kadal, Rainwari and Nowhatta since this morning to maintain law and order. Similarly, restrictions have also been imposed in some areas under police station Kralkhud in old city and Maisuma in civil lines.

However, the situation on the ground was entirely different as security forces and state police personnel deployed in large numbers have closed all roads with barbed wire, directing people to remain indoors.

All roads leading to Jamia Masjid were closed with barbed wire at several places, including Rangar stop, Hawal and Gojwara and by parking bulletproof vehicles in the middle. Security forces and police could also be seen deployed in the Jamia market.

The entire Nallahmar road wore a deserted look with only security forces and state police personnel, wearing bulletproof jackets and leg-guards and holding automatic weapons and lathis in their hands, implementing restrictions. Security forces had closed the road at Nawa Kadal, Rajouri Kadal, Gojwara, Malaratta, Bohri Kadal and Khanyar with barbed wire. Bulletproof vehicles were also deployed on bylanes to prevent any movement.

People living on both sides of the Nallahmar alleged that they were not being allowed to move out of their houses by the security forces.

Similar restrictions have also been imposed in Khanyar, Rainawari and Malkha. However, the people were being allowed to go to Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial hospital, Rainawari. However, the main road to S K Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) via Eidgah was open though only patients and para medical staff were being allowed. However, the road was closed in the morning for some time after security forces had to burst teargas shells to disperse demonstrators at Safa Kadal.

Large number of paramilitary forces and state police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order in areas under police station Kralhud in the old town and Maisuma.