Curfew-like restrictions lifted in downtown Srinagar

Srinagar, Oct 9: Curfew-like restrictions, imposed in downtown Srinagar as a precautionary measure to prevent any demonstration following strike called by separatists against Urban Local Bodies (UBL) elections, were lifted on Tuesday.

A low voter turnout was recorded as majority of the electorates stayed away in the first of the four phase Municipal elections held on Monday in the 57 wards of Kashmir valley amidst unprecedented security arrangements following general strike called by separatists and apprehension of militant attempt to disrupt the process.

All roads are open today as security forces have removed barbed wire and other nakas. The main gates of historic Jamia Masjid, which were closed early Monday morning to prevent anyone from entering the place of worship, were reopened.

The road from Qamarwari to Khanyar, which was also closed roads with barbed wire at several places, including Nawa Kadal, Rajouri Kadal, Khanyar and Bohari Kadal, was also reopened.

Security force and state police personnel deployed in the Jamia Market to prevent people from entering the worship place have been withdrawn.

However, security forces have put up naka checking at several places in the city and outskirts, checking vehicles and frisking travelers entering civil lines.