SRINAGAR : An indefinite curfew continued for the second day today in Srinagar and other major towns and tehsil headquarters in the Kashmir valley to prevent deterioration of law and order in the wake of killing of a youth in security force firing in the downtown city.
There was apprehension of massive demonstrations yesterday when separatists had called for a general strike in protest against the death of a 24-year-old ruling National Conference (NC) worker Altaf Ahmad Wani in security forces firing at Zonimar in the downtown city on March 13, hours after 5 CRPF personnel were killed and six others were wounded in a fidayeen attack at Bemina. Both the fidayeen were also killed.
Repeated announcements were being made this morning through public address system fitted on police vehicles directing people to remain indoor because of curfew restrictions.
However, according to District Magistrate, Srinagar, in order to avoid breach of peace and tranquility besides damage to life and property, restrictions under Section 144 CrPC has been imposed in the entire district.
The restriction on the movement of public and transport from midnight March 13, will continue till further orders.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Srinagar has been directed to implement the restrictions in letter and spirit.
However, the situation on the ground was entirely different as nobody was being allowed to move out of their homes in the summer capital.
All main roads besides some inner lanes were closed with the help of barbed wire and by parking bulletproof bunker vehicles in the middle of the road in the city.
People alleged that they were not allowed to purchase bread and milk by the security forces.
They said despite orders from Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, that identity cards of employees besides uniforms of students would be treated as curfew passes, situation on the ground was entirely different.
Similar reports were received from other parts of the city, including Rainawari where people alleged that they were not allowed to purchase bread and milk.
Reports of imposition of similar restrictions were also received from other parts of the Kashmir valley, including Baramulla, Sopore, Kupwara, Sumbal, Bandipora, Pattan, Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam.
This is for the second time in less than a week, authorities imposed restrictions in Srinagar. On Friday last similar restrictions were imposed following call by separatists for holding protests after prayers. (AGENCIES)
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