Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, Sept 15: Authorities today imposed curfew like restrictions in parts of Srinagar as separatists had called for protests against the National Investigation Agency (NIA) raids and arrests.
The restrictions (under Section 144 CrPc) were imposed in parts of Srinagar falling under the jurisdiction of five Police Stations including Nowhatta, M R Gunj, Rainawari, Khanyar and Safakadal. These restrictions were imposed as a precautionary measure to avoid any untoward incident.
Huge contingents of security forces were deployed in these areas to thwart any possible protest called by separatists against the NIA raids and arrests.
Security forces had erected concertina wires to thwart the vehicular movement in these areas.
Authorities also barred people from offering congregational prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid. Locals said that a heavy contingent of security forces were deployed around the Jamia Masjid here, who disallowed people to offer the congregational prayers there.
Mirwaiz termed the lockdown as a move to break the resolve of people in downtown Srinagar. “Time and again #JamaMasjid locked Down, downtown people caged by the Govt raising the “law and order bogey”. Actually it reflects their paranoia of the fearlessness and courage of the people of downtown city whose resolve they cannot break (sic),” tweeted Mirwaiz.
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The authorities had also placed the head cleric of Jamia Masjid, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, under house detention at his Nigeen residence Thursday evening.
Authorities had also suspended the teaching activity in all the educational institutes and colleges today.
On Thursday, the authorities had snapped Internet services in Srinagar after the Lashkar-e-Toiba commander, Abu Ismail, was killed along with his other Pakistani associate, Chota Qasim in Nowgam area here.
The train services between Baramulla and Banihal also remained suspended today as a precautionary measure.
Meanwhile, as soon as the Friday congregational prayers culminated at Gaw Kadal Masjid, separatist leaders and activists took to streets and protested against the NIA raids and arrests. The protesters were holding placards and were chanting slogans against NIA and Government.
Separatist leaders termed the NIA raids and arrests of political leaders, journalists and others as frustration of the Government. They said that the NIA raids are aimed to defame the separatist leaders.
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