Separatists’ march foiled, restrictions in Srinagar

SRINAGAR: A separatists’ march was foiled with the imposition of restrictions in parts of Srinagar and preventing the separatist leaders from leading the protest march to the UN office here today while normal life was affected in some areas of the Valley.

A security man keeps vigil outside the UN office in Srinagar on Friday. Tribune Photo: Amin War

Ehsan Fazili

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, February 10

A separatists’ march was foiled with the imposition of restrictions in parts of Srinagar and preventing the separatist leaders from leading the protest march to the UN office here today while normal life was affected in some areas of the Valley.

Normal life was hit due to the curbs in the city while a spontaneous shutdown was observed in some other major towns today. Shops and business establishments were closed and vehicular movement was restricted in downtown Srinagar. Officials said “mild restrictions” were imposed in the old city and the Sonwar area to prevent the separatists’ march and maintain law and order.

Clashes between the protesters and police also took place in the Soura area on the outskirts of Srinagar and in Sopore town of Baramulla district after the Friday prayers. The police lobbed teargas shells and resorted to canecharge to chase away protesters.

The separatists had called for the march to the office of United Nations Military Observers Group in India and Pakistan located at Sonwar to submit a memorandum seeking the return of the mortal remains of Mohammad Maqbool Bhat and Afzal Guru. They had called for shutdown on the death anniversaries of Afzal and Bhat on February 9 and 11, respectively.

Moderate Hurriyat Conference chairmanMirwaiz Umar Farooq was kept under house arrest at his Nigeen residence, preventing him from leading the march. The Friday prayers were not offered at Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta in Srinagar in view of the restrictions.

JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik was taken into preventive custody and shifted to Central Jail, Srinagar, after he attempted to take out a march from the Sarai Bala area near Lal Chowk. “Denying those executed illegally a proper burial and a chance of last meeting with their kith and kin is a testimony of bogus Indian democracy vis-à-vis Kashmir,” said Malik.

Chairman of another APHC faction Syed Ali Geelani alsocontinued to be under house arrest at his Hyderpora residence.