Historic Jamia masjid closed to prevent demonstration on HR day

Srinagar, Dec 10: The historic Jamia Masjid in the down town, Srinagar, has been closed as a precautionary measure on Monday to prevent any demonstrations following strike called by Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) against alleged Human Rights (HR) violation.

All gates of historic Jamia Masjid have been locked and nobody was being allowed to enter the historic Masjid, stronghold of moderate Hurriyat Conference (HC) Mirwaiz Moulvi Omar Farooq.

Large number of security forces and state police personnel have been deployed in the Jamia market and nearby areas since early this morning, official sources said.

Nobody was being allowed to enter the Masjid area since early this morning by the security forces as there was apprehension that people will hold demonstration on International HR day today, when JRL had called for general strike in the valley.

However, the main roads around the Masjid are open though security forces remained deployed to foil any demonstration.

There are no road blocks this time in the entire down town as was being witnessed during strike in the past. However, shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the roads. However, private vehicles and some three wheelers could be seen plying on some routes.

Work in government offices, banks and other institutions was affected due to strike in the down town. Educational institutions also remained closed.