Srinagar: Law enforcing authorities Friday disallowed congregational prayers for the fourth consecutive week at historic Jamia Masjid in Downtown Srinagar by imposing restrictions in the area. Normal life hit in seven police station areas where restrictions were imposed by law enforcing authorities on the orders of District Magistrate Srinagar.
Hurriyat (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq who addressed the faithful at the mosque every Friday was placed under house arrest early Friday.
A spokesman of the amalgam said that the Mirwaiz was scheduled to visit Charar-e-Sharif shrine Friday.Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) of Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik had called for protests against braid-cutting incidents.
Law enforcing authorities had imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar on Friday to prevent separatist-called protests against growing incidents of braid chopping in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Restrictions under section 144 of CrPc remainrf in force in Khanyar, Rainawari, Nowhatta, M.R. Gunj, Safa Kadal, Kralkhud and Maisuma. The restrictions were imposed to maintain law and order in the city,” a police officer said. Shops, public transport, other businesses and educational institutions remained closed in all seven areas placed under restrictions.
Attendance in government offices and educational institutions were also affected due to the prohibitory orders. Private transport in uptown areas of Srinagar and inter-district transport were found moving normally.
Mysterious braid chopping incidents are occurring in the valley these days and the police say thieves and other criminals are taking advantage of the fear psychosis.
