Restrictions, Shutdown cripple life in Kashmir for 2nd consecutive day
- Protests, clashes at some places
- Curbs to continue today in view of Tral Chalo: DGP
- Schools, college to remain closed: Div Com
- Train services, mobile internet remains suspended
- KU, IUST postpone exams
The restrictions imposed by authorities and shutdown called by separatists to protest the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Sabzar Bhat and his associate paralysed life in Valley for the second consecutive day on Monday.
The curfew-like restrictions remained in force for second day in areas falling under Khanyar, Nowhatta, Safakadal, MR Gunj, Rainawari, Maisuma and Kral Khud police stations in Srinagar.
The police and paramilitary forces were deployed in strength in these areas to prevent people from staging anti-India protests.
The cops had placed barricades and concertina wires on all major roads to prevent movement of people.
The restrictions also remained in force in Anantnag town of south Kashmir.
A police spokesman said restrictions under section 144 CrPC were imposed in some vulnerable areas of the valley to thwart any untoward incident.
In the areas, where restrictions were not imposed, the shutdown called by separatists paralysed the life.
All shops and business establishments in Srinagar and other parts of the Valley remained closed while public transport was off the roads.
The authorities had ordered closure of all schools and colleges in the Valley today.
Separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik had called for two-day shutdown against killing of Burhan Wani’s successor Sabzar Bhat and his associate Faizan Ahmad.
All trains between Srinagar-Budgam-Sopore and Baramulla remained suspended due to security reasons for the third day.
“We have suspended train service due to security reasons after receiving a directive from the government, including police,” a senior Railway official said.
The rail service was suspended on Saturday afternoon after the killing of Sabzar and his associate in an encounter with forces in Tral.
The mobile internet service in the Valley also remained suspended for third day today.
Defying restrictions, youth took to roads at Karfali Mohalla of Habba kadal, Soura in downtown Srinagar and staged protest demonstrations. The youth pelted stones on the force personnel, who fired tear smoke shells and resorted to baton charge to disperse them. The clashes continued for some time.
The clashes between youth and force personnel were also reported from Hajin area in Bandipora, Mattan in Anantnag, Tahab area of Pulwama and Trehgam in Kupwara.
Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Shabir Shah, Mohammad Ashraf Sehrai, Ayaz Akbar and other separatist leaders remained under house arrest while JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik has been lodged in central Jail, Srinagar
Meanwhile, in view of Tral chalo called by the separatists, the authorities have decided to continue restrictions in parts of Valley tomorrow also.
“The restrictions will continue at such places wherever necessary in view of Tral Chalo called by the separatists,” Director General of Police, S P Vaid told Kashmir Post.
He said the decision to lift restrictions will be taken on Tuesday after reviewing the situation.
The separatist leadership has called for Tral chalo tomorrow to pay tribute to Sabzar and Faizan killed in Saimoh encounter and civilian killed in forces firing.
District Magistrate Srinagar said in view of the prevailing law and order situation, strict restrictions will remain imposed on Tuesday within the territorial jurisdiction of seven police stations of Srinagar district, including Khanyar, Nowhatta, Safakadal, M R Gunj, Rainawari, Kral Khud and Maisuma.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan, said class work in all schools/higher secondary institutions and colleges in Valley shall remain suspended tomorrow as a precautionary measure.
Kashmir University spokesperson said the varsity has decided to postpone examinations scheduled for tomorrow.
He, however, said class work will be held as per schedule.
Private Secretary to Vice chancellor Islamic university of Science and Technology Awantipora, Ajaz Qureshi said the examinations scheduled for Tuesday have been postponed and the class work has also been suspended.
He said the university will notify new dates of the examination separately.
District Magistrate Anantnag said strict restrictions would be in place in the district tomorrow to prevent breach of peace and loss of life in view of the prevailing law and order situation.
He said the district administration has also setup helpline services with 9596777669, 9419047052 and 9419367252 for the convenience of the people.
Police Version
A police spokesman said situation remained peaceful and under control throughout in valley.
“Though a stray stone pelting incident was reported from Tahab area in Pulwama, no injury was reported,” he said.
He said a group of miscreants pelted stones on 182 CRPF Camp at Tahab. “Police and forces used maximum restraint and chased them away”.
