Srinagar, Dec 11 (UNI) Restrictions, imposed in the Shehar-e-Khas (SeK), downtown and parts of civil lines in Srinagar from Sunday morning to prevent any law and order problem following strike called by separatists against alleged human rights violation by security forces in the valley, have been lifted .
Meanwhile, all gates of historic Jamia Masjid, stronghold of moderate Hurriyat Conference (HC) chairman Mirwaiz Moulvi Omar Farooq, which had been closed yesterday, are open. Due to restrictions, prayers could not be offered in the Masjid on Friday and Sunday.
Police said there are no restrictions in any part of the summer capital on Saturday. Restrictions under Section 144 CrPC had been imposed under Section 144 CrPC in the areas falling under the jurisdiction of police station M R Gunj, Nowhatta, Safa Kadal, Rainawari and Khanyar in the down town and SeK. Similar restrictions have also been imposed in some areas falling under the jurisdiction of police station Kralkhud in the old city, Maisuma, Ram Munshi Bagh and Kothibagh in the civil lines. However, the situation on the ground was entirely different as security forces had closed all main roads with barbed wire and directed people to remain indoor.
The roadblocks and barbed wire had been removed and additional security forces deployed to strictly implement restrictions were also withdrawn. The main Nallahmar was opened after security forces removed road blocks. Milkmen and vegetable sellers, who were prevented yesterday, were doing good business this morning.
All roads leading to historic Jamia Masjid are open and shops along with other business establishments in the Jamia market resumed normal activities.
The “Joint Resistance Leadership” comprising Geelani, Mirwaiz and Mohammad Yaseen Malik, had called for a general strike on Sunday on Human Rights Day.
Similarly security forces had also removed barbed wire and other road blocks on main roads leading to Maisuma and other places in the civil lines besides United Nations Military Observers for India and Pakistan (UNMOIP) at Sonawar.
UNI BAS CJ 0919