Curbs lifted in most parts of Kashmir
SRINAGAR: Restrictions were lifted from most parts of Kashmir on Saturday, but remained in force in the Handwara area of Kupwara district as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order, officials said.
Fresh restrictions were imposed in many parts of the Valley on Friday in view of apprehensions that vested interests might exploit the large Friday prayer gatherings at big mosques and shrines to fuel protests.
Officials said restrictions have been eased out in most areas of Kashmir. However, the curbs continued to be in force in many areas of Handwara in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, they said.
The restrictions under Section 144 of the CrPc continued as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order, the officials added.
Security deployment remained in vulnerable areas and mobile and internet services were yet to be restored in most parts of the Valley, 48 days after the Centre abrogated Article 370.
Restrictions were first imposed across Kashmir on 5 August after the Centre announced stripping of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and bifurcating the state into two Union territories. The restrictions were lifted in phases from many parts of the Valley.
Friday prayers have not been allowed at any of the major mosques or shrines - including Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta or Dargah Sharief in Hazratbal.
Normal life continued to remain affected across the valley for the 48th consecutive day on Saturday with markets closed and public transport off the roads, the officials said. Internet services remained suspended across all platforms, they said.