Restrictions, arrests, heavy deployment mark the first day of Ramadhan in Kashmir

Authorities on Friday imposed restrictions in areas under seven police stations of Srinagar to thwart “Sopore Challo” call of separatist leaders. They include Maisuma, Parimpora, Khanyar, Maharaj Gunj, Nowhatta, Safakadal and Rainawari police stations. Police said that measure was taken to “maintain law and order”.

Authorities also arrested or detained all the front and second line separatists along with well known activists ahead of the march on the very first day of Holy month of Ramadhan.

Hurriyat (G) chairman, Syed Ali Geelani, Hurriyat (M) chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, JKLF chairman, Mohammad Yasin Malik and DFP chairman, Shabir Ahmad Shah had decided to reach Sopore and address a joint public meeting there after Friday prayers. The rally was called to protest the recent target killings in the north town.

All the said separatists along with National Front chairman, Nayeem Ahmad Khan where arrested yesterday. Hurriyat (M) spokesman, advocate Shahid ul Islam was also arrested. Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai, Ayaz Akbar, Pir Saifulla of Hurriyat (G) are among those placed house under house arrest. Geelani is undergoing house detention since long.

Pertinently, police claimed identification of two militants of breakaway group Lashkar e Islam of Hizbul Mujahideen militant outfit, for the civilian and police killings in Sopore and have announced cash reward of Rs 20 lacs to track militant duo down. However, the claim is rejected by the separatists and Hizbul Mujahideen contending the killings have been executed by what they called “Indian secret agencies to create fear psychosis among people to prevent them from pursuing resistance”.

Reports of restrictions and heavy deployments have also reached from Sopore and Baramulla areas. Srinagar-Baramulla highway is being closely monitored and every passing vehicle is being checked thoroughly.