Srinagar: Curfew-like restrictions affected normal life amid a complete shutdown in Kashmir Valley today on the occasion of martyrs’ day.
According to GNS correspondent, strict restrictions remained imposed across eight police station areas of summer capital Srinagar to foil a proposed march to martyrs graveyard at Naqashband Sahab in Khwaja Bazar of joint resistance leadership. The police station areas where curbs remained in place include Safa Kadal, MR Gunj, Nowhatta, Khanyar, Maisuma, Nowhatta, Kralkhud, Batamaloo, Khanyar and Kralkhud. Hundreds of police and CRPF men were deployed in these areas who enforced the curbs strictly and didn’t allow civilians to move freely, witnesses said.
According to witnesses, the roads and streets in restrictions-bound areas wore a deserted look with only forces men visible. The situation in areas where there were no restrictions was same but fewer pedestrians and private vehicles could be seen moving in the afternoon. The Lal Chowk commercial hub also wore a deserted look throughout the day. All the shops, commercial establishments and educational institutes remained closed.
Only mainstream politicians including Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and NC president Farooq Abdullah paid floral tributes to July 13 martyrs as pro-freedom leadership was placed under detention. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq who tried to defy security restrictions was detained by police outside his Nigeen residence. A strict was in place at Naqashband Sahab Khwaja Bazar area and hundreds of forces men were deployed to prevent protests.
Tensions were already running high in Old City of Srinagar as violent clashes had rocked it against the killing of local militant Sajad Gilkar yesterday. No one was allowed proceed towards the house of Gilkar at Pandan in Nowhatta.
The restrictions were also imposed in sensitive parts of south Kashmir but overall situation remained peaceful and there was no major incident of violence. A complete shutdown was observed in Awantipora, Tral, Anantnag, Khanabal, Pampore, Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian, Kakapora and other areas. Police said barring stone-pelting at SafaKadal, Fateh Kadal and Memendar in Shopian, situation remained peaceful elsewhere.
Complete shutdown was observed in North Kashmir. Reports from Baramulla, Sopore, Hajin, Bandipora, Kupwara and other areas said the impact of shutdown was highly visible. The shutdown was also observed in Ganderbal and Budgam districts.(GNS)
