Restrictions, shutdown against PSA on Malik cripple normal life in Valley

Srinagar: A complete shutdown was on Friday observed across the Valley to protest against the arrest of JKLF Chief Muhammad Yasin Malik and his shifting to Kotbalwal jail under Public Safety Act (PSA).
In view of the shutdown call, the district administration Srinagar had also imposed restrictions in Srinagar areas Friday to thwart any protests.
The shutdown call was given by Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) comprising Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Farooq against arrest spree including arrest of Malik, attack of JK’s special status and ban on Jamaat-e-Islami.
Reports said, all the shops, business establishments and private offices remained closed Friday while as the traffic was also thin on the roads.
Besides, eyewitnesses said a large confinement of police and paramilitary troopers were deployed on roads in Srinagar since the wee hours of this morning who had also erected concertina wires on the roads, blocking vehicular as well as pedestrians’ movement.
Moreover, amid restrictions, authorities barred Muslims from offering mandatory Friday congregational prayers here at historic Jamia Masjid. For the second consecutive week, the four gates of historic Jamia Masjid in Old City area of Nowhatta remained locked, local sources said.
Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq who also addresses Friday congregational prayers at Jamia Masjid was also placed under house detention on Thursday evening.
“For the 2nd consecutive week mandatory Friday Prayers barred at #JamaMasjid Srinagar by the ruling regime. Restrictions Imposed in #ShareKhaas, People caged in homes, leadership either under #HouseArrest or jailed under PSA,” Mirwaiz tweeted.