Curfew-like restrictions imposed in downtown, Jamia masjid closed again

Srinagar, May 21: Curfew-like restrictions were imposed in the downtown and Shehar-e-Khas (SeK), Srinagar to prevent demonstration on Tuesday, when separatists have called for a general strike on the death anniversaries of Mirwaiz Moulvi Muhammad Farooq and Abdul Gani Lone.

The Mirwaiz, the father of chairman of moderate Hurriyat Conference (HC) Mirwaiz Moulvi Omar Farooq, was assassinated by unidentified gunmen on this day in 1990 in his Nigeen house. Peoples Conference (PC), a constituent of separatist HC chairman Abdul Gani Lone was killed in 2002 gunmen when he was about to leave for home after paying tributes to Mirwaiz at Eidgh in the downtown on this day.

Police said restrictions under Section 144 CrPC have been imposed in areas under the jurisdiction of five police stations of Khanyar, Nowhatta, Rainawari, Safa Kadal and M R Gunj.

All gates of historic Jamia Masjid in the downtown have been closed to prevent people from assembling there. Large number of security forces and state police personnel had been deployed in the Jamia Market and around the historic worship place.

Mirwaiz Omar had announced to lead a procession today from Jamia Masjid to Eidgah martyrs' graveyard, where Mirwaiz Muhammad Farooq was laid to rest.

All roads leading to the Masjid have been closed with barbed wire at Nowhatta, Gojwara, Naqashband Sahib and Rangar stop. Nobody was being allowed to move towards Masjid by security forces deployed at these places.

The entire Nallahmar road passing through downtown and SeK has also been closed for any movement.

Security forces have blocked the road with barbed wire and by parking bullet proof vehicles in the middle at different places. People living on both sides of the road alleged that they were not being allowed to move out by security forces. They alleged that milkmen and vegetable sellers from outskirts were not allowed to enter restricted areas.

Similar restriction has been imposed in other areas of the downtown and SeK since early this morning.