Kashmir shuts against Modi’s visit

Kashmir Monday observed a complete shutdown against the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Srinagar while government imposed restrictions in areas falling under five Police Stations of old city.
The strike was called by Hurriyat Conference (G) Chairman Syed Ali Geelani, Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, Muhammad Yasin Malik, Chairman Hurriyat Conference JK, Shabir Ahmad Shah, Chairperson Dukhtran-i-MilatSyedaAasiyaAnrabi and some other separatist groups.
Official sources said to thwart protest demonstrations, restrictions were imposed in areas falling under police stations Khanyar, MaharajGunj, Nowhatta, Safakadal and Rainawari. “It was part of precautions taken in view of Modi’s rally,” a senior police official said here. “The day passed off peacefully. There was no report of any untoward incident anywhere.”
Reports reaching here from old Srinagar areas said large contingents of police and paramilitary forces arrived in the localities early Monday morning. The joint contingents, reports said, erected barricades and sealed roads with razor wire to stop movement of people and vehicles.
The Sonwar area—where Prime Minister addressed the rally—was out of bounds for the people for second consecutive day Monday.  The forces had sealed all roads leading to Sonwar with razor wire and armored vehicles. Due to restrictions, people intending to visit the GB Pant children’s hospital with their ailing kids had to face a tough time as they were not allowed to visit the hospital till the rally ended.
In Civil Lines and other areas of Srinagar, authorities had deployed huge contingents of police and paramilitary forces to thwart any protest demonstrations.
In other parts of Kashmir, reports said, normal life was affected due to strike called by the separatist leaders.
Shops and other business establishments remained closed while skeletal private transport plied on intra and inter-district roads.
The attendance in Government offices was thin due to non-availability of public transport, reports added.
Reports of shutdown were received from all towns of central, north and south Kashmir.