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Restrictions in Srinagar, shutdown in Kashmir parts

MAJID NABI. Dated: 5/22/2019 1:35:57 PM

Authorities foil march to Eidgah

SRINAGAR, May 21: Authorities foiled the Joint Resistance Leadership’s (JRL) proposed Eidgah Chalo march to commemorate the 29th and 17th death anniversaries of Mirwaiz Molvi Farooq and Abdul Gani Lone by imposing curfew like restrictions in parts of summer capital Srinagar amid complete shutdown today.
Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) a conglomerate of various separatist outfits comprising Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik had called for valley wide shutdown and Eidgah Chalo to commemorate death anniversaries of Mirwaiz Molvi Mohammad Farooq and Abdul Gani Lone who were assassinated on this day in 1990 and 2002 respectively.
Authorities in the wake of JRL call had imposed restrictions in five police station areas of the old city which include Nowhatta, Khanyar, M R Gunj, Safakadal and Rainawari followed by partial restrictions in Maisuma and Kralkhud areas.
Shops, commercial establishments and fuel stations remained closed and transport was off the roads, however skeletal movement of private vehicles could be seen on deserted streets.
As a precautionary measure, the authorities also ordered closure of all schools and colleges in Srinagar city in view of protest, shutdown and chalo call by the separatist groups.
Attendance in government and semi-government offices, banks and courts was recorded thin as majority of the employees cannot reach to their respective offices due to non-availability of public transport.
Authorities either arrested or placed top separatist leaders under house arrest to prevent them marching to Martyrs Graveyard at Eidgah in old city.
Octogenarian separatist leader and Hurriyat (G), Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani, continues to be under house detention at his Hyderpora residence while Mirwaiz Umer Farooq who heads his faction of Hurriyat Conference was also placed under house detention at his Nigeeen residence here this morning.
Police also detained Peoples Political party (PPP) Chairman, Hilal Ahmad War from his residence at Maisuma here this morning, a party spokesman said.
Authorities blocked all the roads leading to Eidgah with concertina wires and iron barricades while contingents of police and paramilitary troopers were deployed at every nook and corner of the old city to main law and order. However the situation remained comparatively calm with no untoward incident reported from anywhere.
Authorities also suspended Baramulla-Banihal train service as a precautionary measure.
The Train service between Budgam-Srinagar, Islamabad-Qazigund in south Kashmir and Banihal in Jammu region was also suspended, in view of the “Eidgah Chalo” call given by Joint Resistance Leadership.
Reports of shutdown were also received from south Kashmir districts including Pulwama, Shopian, Anantnag and Kulgam wherein JRL call evoked total response.
Situation remained by and large peaceful in Pulwama and Shopian districts. Unprecedented security arrangements were made to thwart any attempt of protests by people in twin districts amid complete shutdown.
Similar reports were received from other district headquarters including Baramullah, Bandipora Kupwara, Budgam and Ganderbal as well.