Restrictions imposed in parts of Srinagar, north Kashmir

Authorities today imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar and north Kashmir to prevent separatists’ plan to visit Sopore where militants have shot dead six persons in the last three weeks.

Restrictions were imposed in Khanyar, Safa kadal, Nowhatta, Rainawari, M R Gunj and Kral khud areas of downtown Srinagar as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order, a police official said.

He informed that restrictions were also imposed in Maisuma police station area near Lal Chowk and Parimpora, on the outskirts of the city, which connects the highway from Srinagar to Sopore in north Kashmir.

Also, curbs on the movement of people were put in place in Sopore township, 50 km from here.

Authorities yesterday placed under house arrest top separatist leaders to prevent them from visiting the town.

While hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani is under house arrest since last week, curbs were put on movement of Moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Mohammad Shraf Sehrai, Ayaz Akbar, Shabir Ahmad Shah and Nayeem Khan yesterday.

JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik was arrested from Chadoora area of Budgam district on Wednesday night and later shifted to Kothi bagh police station here, the police official said.

JKLF, Hurriyat faction led by Geelani and Mirwaiz, had announced their plans to lead a joint delegation to Sopore to express solidarity with the families of those killed by gunmen since May 22 this year.

Militants have shot dead six persons, including separatist activists and former militants, in Sopore over the past three weeks, leading to fear among the residents of the north Kashmir town.

Police has announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh each for information leading to arrest of two militants believed to be behind the killings.

The militants have been identified as Abdul Qayoom Najar and Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo, who are believed to have defied the command of Hizbul Mujahideen supremo Syed Salahuddin and operating under the shadow name of Lashkar-e-Islam outfit.