Restrictions in SeK, downtown Srinagar lifted

The restrictions had been imposed to maintain law and order in the Kashmir valley, where separatists had called for protests after Friday prayers against civilian killings and continued use of pellets, allegedly by security forces, have been lifted.

Police said there are no restrictions in any part of Srinagar on Saturday. Restrictions under Section 144 CrPC had been imposed in the SeK and downtown areas falling under the jurisdiction of five police stations of M R Gunj, Safa Kadal, Nowhatta, Khanyar and Rainawari yesterday to maintain law and order. Restriction had also been imposed in some areas under the police station Kralkhud and Maisuma.

The Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), comprising Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwgaiz Moulvi Omar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik had asked people to hold protests in their respective areas after Friday prayers.

The main gates of historic Jamia Masjid, stronghold of moderate Hurriyat Conference (HC) chairman Mirwaiz, are open after remaining closed yesterday when no Friday prayers could be offered there. Security forces and state police personnel, deployed to prevent devotees from going inside have been withdrawn. All roadblocks leading to Masjid have also been removed. Shops and business establishments in the Jamia Market are open today. This was the third consecutive Friday when Jamia Masjid remained closed to prevent any law and order problem. 

Business and other activities resumed in the Nallahmar and other areas, including Safa Kadal where youths pelted stones and also hurled three petrol bombs on security forces when they were withdrawing last evening. However, there was no report of any injury in these attacks.