Curbs in parts of Srinagar lifted, life remains affected on 76th day

Restrictions that were imposed in parts of Srinagar in view of Friday prayers were lifted on Saturday, but normal life remained affected across the valley for the 76th consecutive day following the abrogation of provisions of Article 370, officials said.

They said the curbs, under Section 144 of the CrPC, were imposed in Anchar area under the jurisdiction of Soura police station and the areas around the historic Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta police station on Friday morning.

They were imposed as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order in view of the Friday congregational prayers.

The restrictions have been lifted from parts of the city here, the officials said.

Authorities have been imposing curbs in vulnerable areas of the valley on Friday, apprehending that vested interests may exploit the large gatherings at big mosques and shrines to fuel protests.

Friday prayers have not been allowed at Jamia Masjid - the grand mosque of Kashmir in Downtown (old city area) - for over two months.

Meanwhile, normal life remained affected across the valley. Shops opened for a few hours early in the morning in some areas, including in the commercial hub of Lal Chowk in the city here, but the main markets and other business establishments were shut, the officials said.

Private transport plied unhindered in the city here and elsewhere in Kashmir. Few areas in the city witnessed traffic jams, the officials said.