Braid chopping in Kashmir: Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Farooq under house arrest to prevent separatist-called protests

Authorities imposed curfew-like restrictions in parts of Srinagar on Friday to prevent separatist-called protests against growing incidents of braid chopping in Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmiri separatists such as Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and others have been placed under house-arrest as well, according to Times Now.

#BREAKING | Curfew like restrictions in old Srinagar city; separatist leaders including Syed Ali Gilani, Mirwaiz Umar put under house arrest

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) October 20, 2017

“Restrictions under section 144 of CrPc will remain in force in Khanyar, Rainawari, Nowhatta, MR Gunj, Safa Kadal, Kralkhud and Maisuma. The restrictions have been imposed to maintain law and order in the city,” a police officer told IANS. [caption id=“attachment_3877441” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of Kashmiri separatists Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. PTI[/caption] Joint resistance leadership (JRL) comprising Geelani, Farooq and Malik have called for the protests on Friday, after prayers are held. Shops, public transport, other businesses and educational institutions remained closed in all seven areas placed under restrictions. Attendance in government offices and educational institutions were also affected due to the prohibitory orders. Private transport in uptown areas of Srinagar and inter-district transport were found moving normally. Mysterious braid chopping incidents are being reported in the Valley in the past few days which the police say are thieves and other criminals taking advantage of the fear psychosis. With inputs from IANS