Srinagar: Curfew like restrictions continued in parts of Srinagar ciry as precautionary measure for the second day Saturday, when Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh arrived here on a four-day visit to the state.
Restrictions were extended to Maisuma and adjoining areas in the civil lines to prevent any demonstration though there was no call for any strike or demonstration.
Both the Hurriyats’ and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), spearheading the agitation, demanding right to self determination, have called for shutdown today (Sunday) against the visit of Rajnath Singh.
All gates of historic Jamia Masjid remained closed for the second day, where no Friday prayers could be offered due to restrictions.
Police said restrictions have been imposed in areas under the jurisdiction of police station Nowhatta, Safa Kadal, M R Gunj, Rainwari and Khanyar. Police said restrictions have been extended to Maisuma in the civil lines, stronghold of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF).
However, there was change in the situation on the ground as government forces closed all roads with barbed wire and by parking bullet proof vehicles in the middle. Educational institutions, banks and government offices in these areas remained closed. School buses of different educational institutions, operating in the outskirts and uptown, were also sent back by the security forces.
Students and employees of restricted areas also remained confined in their homes.
Hundreds of state police and paramilitaries, wearing bullet proof jackets and holding automatic weapons and lathis in their hands have been deployed in parts of Srinagar city. The entire Nallahmar had been closed and security forces were seen directing people to stay indoor. Security forces had closed the main roads and bylanes with barbed wire at several places, including Rajouri Kadal, Khanyar crossing, Rangar stop, Nowhatta, Bulbul Lankar, Bohri Kadal, Ali Kadal and Kadikadal. However, the main Safa Kadal road to S K Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura via Eidgah was open though government forces remained deployed in strength to prevent any stone pelting incident.
All gates of historic Jamia Masjid, stronghold of Mirwaiz, remained locked to prevent any gathering there. Paramilitaries and state police personnel had been deployed in the Jamia market and outside to prevent people from entering the Masjid. Roads leading to Masjid at Rangar Stop from Khanyar side and Hawal from outskirts have been closed with barbed wire and nobody was being allowed to go towards Masjid.
