India Imposes Fresh Restrictions In Parts Of Kashmir Valley
Markets in Kashmir remained shut and public transport was off the roads for the 54th day since restrictions came into effect.
Fresh restrictions were imposed in parts of Kashmir on Friday to maintain law and order in view of congregational prayers, officials said.
Markets in the Kashmir Valley remained shut and public transport was off the roads for the 54th day since abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir on Aug. 5.
Restrictions under Section 144 CrPC were imposed on Friday morning in various parts of the Kashmir Valley, the officials said.
The curbs were imposed in five police station areas of Nowhatta, Rainawari, Safakadal, Khanyar and Maharaj Gunj in downtown (interior areas) and in Hazratbal zone in Srinagar.
The restrictions were also imposed in Ganderbal, Anantnag, Awantipora, Sopore and Handwara towns of the valley, the officials added.
The authorities also sealed the Lal Chowk city centre—the commercial hub of Srinagar—by placing barricades and concertina wires on all entry and exit points leading to the area, they said.
The officials said the curbs were imposed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order in view of the Friday congregational prayers.
Restrictions were first imposed across Kashmir on Aug. 5 when the Centre announced its decision to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution of India and bifurcate the state into union territories. The restrictions were lifted in phases from many parts of the valley as the situation improved with passage of time.
However, the authorities have been imposing restrictions in vulnerable areas of the valley every Friday, apprehending that vested interests might exploit the large gatherings at big mosques and shrines to fuel protests.
Friday prayers have not been allowed at any of the major mosques or shrines in the valley for the past one month now.
Meanwhile, normal life remained affected in Kashmir as main markets and other business establishments continued to remain closed for the 54th consecutive day on Friday, the officials said. Public transport was off the roads and the movement of private cars was also lesser than Thursday, they said.
Mobile services remained suspended in Kashmir, except in Handwara and Kupwara areas in the north, while Internet services across all platforms remained cut in the valley, they added.
Most of the top-level and second-rung Kashmiri separatist leaders have been taken into preventive custody while mainstream politicians, including two former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, have been either detained or placed under house arrest.
Another former chief minister and sitting Lok Sabha MP from Srinagar Farooq Abdullah has been arrested under the controversial Public Safety Act.