Amid shutdown and restrictions, tense situation prevailed in Kashmir on Friday, a day after three militants and a civilian were killed in separate encounters on Thursday.
Normal life remained crippled in the valley as separatists called a strike to protest against the killing of a 24-year-old youth during a cordon-and-search-operation (CASO) in Qamarwari area of Srinagar on Thursday. Authorities imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar and other sensitive areas of the Valley to thwart any protests.
Authorities also did not allow congregational prayers at historic Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta area of old city Srinagar for the second consecutive week. Separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq were kept under house arrest, while Yasin Malik was taken into preventive detention. Additional security was deployed in sensitive areas of Srinagar and other districts.
All shops, commercial establishments and schools remained closed in Srinagar, while public transport was off the roads. Similar reports were received from other districts of Kashmir. Intra-Kashmir train services remained suspended fearing violence.
Peaceful Friday
A police official said restrictions were imposed on the movement of people in five police station areas of the old city as a ‘precautionary measure’ and Friday remained mostly peaceful.
The latest bout of unrest has started when first phase of much awaited municipal elections is just 11-days away.
Published 28 September 2018, 13:54 IST