March to UN foiled, no Friday prayers in Jama Masjid; Yasin Malik, others held

Srinagar: Authorities on Friday foiled a march to the office of United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) in summer capital that was called by joint resistance leadership here by imposing restrictions in parts of Srinagar.

In wake of the March call to UNMOGIP Sonwar, the police and paramilitary forces had sealed all the roads leading to Sonwar with razor wires and erected barricades. The imposed the restrictions in Lal Chowk, Sonwar and Old City areas.

The authorities today disallowed Friday prayers at historic Jama Masjid in Nowhatta area of downtown Srinagar yet again. According to locals, the forces personnel deployed at Nowhatta and in adjoining areas showed sticks to all those who tried to come out of their houses for offering prayers.

Soon after Friday prayers, senior resistance leader and JKLF chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik along with his supporters tried to take out a rally from Buchwara Dalgate towards UN office but a large contingent of police foiled the rally by stopping them. Police detained Malik and some of his supporters who were shouting pro-freedom slogans.

Soon after the detention of Malik, clashes erupted in the area between forces and protesters. The forces resorted to teargas shelling on protesters who responded by hurling stones. The clashes also erupted in Sopore and Tahab areas after Friday prayers.(GNS)