Restrictions imposed in Srinagar, no Friday prayers at Jamia Masjid
TENSIONS ON Authorities cautious after clashes erupted in parts of south Kashmir; youth clash with security forces in Pulwama, Anantnag
SRINAGAR: Police imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar as clashes erupted between protesters and security forces in south Kashmir, on Friday.
The restrictions were imposed in major parts of the old city in Srinagar as authorities apprehended protests after Friday prayers. There was heavy deployment of police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in many sensitive areas of the summer capital. “The situation remained peaceful in Srinagar though there were restrictions and deployment of forces,” said a police official. Owing to the restrictions, no Friday prayers were held in Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid, chief priest and moderate separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said.
He tweeted: “Strict curfew imposed, Friday prayers again disallowed for the fourth consecutive week at #JamaMasjid. PDP has completely brazened it out .... As part of anti-Muslim, antiKashmir nexus it is beyond redemption!” Authorities have kept Mirwaiz and hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani under house arrest, while Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chief Yasin Malik has been lodged in the Central Jail.
CLASHES IN PULWAMA, ANANTNAG
Meanwhile, youth clashed with security forces in south Kashmir’s Pulwama and Anantnag districts after Friday prayers.
Local residents informed that some youths hurled stones at the CRPF personnels in Chatpora area of Pulwama, who in turn retaliated with tear gas shells. “The protesters were angry over the injuries to a youth in clashes on Thursday,” they said.
SHUTDOWN IN PULWAMA
A shutdown was also observed in Pulwama town against the use of force by the security forces.
Police said the situation is under control in Pulwama. “There was a heavy deployment in the town, stone-pelting was mild and the shops were closed in some areas,” said an official manning the police control room in Pulwama. Meanwhile, locals in Anantnag said “massive clashes” erupted in Reshi Bazar, Cheeni Chowk and Sherbragh areas of the old town.
However, the police claimed the situation was normal.
THERE WAS HEAVY DEPLOYMENT OF POLICE AND CRPF IN MANY SENSITIVE AREAS OF THE SUMMER CAPITAL