Authorities imposed curfew-like restrictions in parts of Srinagar and closed all educational institutes as “a precautionary measure” on Saturday, in the wake of a local militant’s killing in an exchange of fire on Friday evening.
All areas coming under the jurisdiction of six police stations — Parimpora, Khanyar, Nowhatta, Safakadal, M.R. Gunj and Rainawari — were sealed with concertina wires and barricaded to stop movement of vehicles.
“Section 144 (prohibiting assembly of more than four persons) was strictly implemented in these areas as a precautionary measure,” said an official statement.
All educational institutes, including Kashmir University, were closed. Train services were also suspended.
All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was also placed under house arrest. JKLF chief Yasin Malik was shifted to the Central Jail as part of the crackdown on separatists. “It’s because of the lingering Kashmir issue and due to the stubborn and intransigent approach of New Delhi that people of this region continue to suffer,” said the Hurriyat spokesperson.
Meanwhile, hundreds of locals, especially youth and women, converged on the house of slain militant, Mugees Mir, in Srinagar’s Parimpora amid security restrictions.
