Kashmir: Curfew imposed in parts of Srinagar ahead of separatist march

Srinagar: Authorities on Friday imposed curfew in parts of Srinagar in view of the separatists’ call for a march to the historic Jamia Masjid here ahead of Friday prayers. Curfew has been imposed in Nowhatta, Khanyar, Safakadal, Rainawari and Maharaj Gunj in the old city and Batamaloo in uptown, a police official said. The curbs were imposed in the wake of the separatists’ call for a march to Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta area of the city, he said. [caption id=“attachment_3071206” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representational image. AP[/caption] There were no restrictions on movement of people elsewhere in Kashmir, the official said. However, curbs on assembly of people under Section 144 CrPc were in place in the Valley. The separatists have been agitating since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on 8 July. The restrictions in parts of the city considerably brought down the movement of people and vehicles today as much less traffic was seen on the roads in the civil lines and the outskirts of the city. Meanwhile, normal life continued to remain affected in the rest of the Valley for the 112th day due to the separatist-sponsored strike. Shops, petrol pumps and business establishments were shut while educational institutions continued to remain closed. Security forces have been deployed in strength at vulnerable spots and along the main roads as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order. As many as 85 people, including two policemen, have been killed and thousands of others injured in the ongoing unrest in the Valley. Around 5,000 security forces personnel have also been injured in the clashes. Over 300 persons have been booked under Public Safety Act