Restrictions return to parts of Srinagar after violence
PROTESTS TOOK PLACE AT AROUND A DOZEN PLACES LEADING TO INJURIES
Restrictions were tightened in some parts of the city yesterday following incidents of violence a day earlier, even as the first batch of Haj pilgrims returned to Kashmir from Saudi Arabia, officials said.
The added restrictions continued in many parts of the valley for the 14th day yesterday.
Restrictions were reimposed in certain areas that witnessed trouble on Saturday after the curbs were eased in several areas of the city and elsewhere in the valley, the officials said.
They said protests took place at around a dozen places in which several protesters were injured. However, the exact number of injuries was not available, they added.
Haj returnees
The officials said the flights carrying around 300 pilgrims landed at the Srinagar airport in the morning. Elaborate arrangements have been made for the smooth movement of pilgrims to their respective destinations, they said.
“Only one family member is allowed at the airport to receive the Hajis. A fleet of the State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) buses has been deployed to facilitate the movement of Hajis and their relatives with the coordination of all district administrations,” the officials said. ■
The security forces, they said, have been directed to allow passage of pilgrims and their relatives who have already been issued passes through the areas where restrictions are in place.
Government spokesman Rohit Kansal had on Saturday said the restrictions were eased in 35 police station areas of the valley. However, several places witnessed clashes between groups of youths and security forces, leading to reimposition of the curbs.