Restrictions imposed in parts of Srinagar lifted; normal life remains affected

Srinagar, October 19

Restrictions that were imposed in parts of Srinagar in view of the Friday prayers were lifted on Saturday, but normal life remained affected across the Valley for the 76th consecutive day following the abrogation 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 had been lifted from parts of the city here, the officials said.

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, the officials said, adding that a few areas in the city witnessed traffic jams.

Auto-rickshaws and a few inter-district cabs were also seen plying in some areas of the Valley, they said. However, the other modes of public transport were off the roads.

Schools and colleges were open, but the students stayed away, the officials said.

Mobile services were restored in Kashmir earlier this week, but the SMS facility was snapped again hours later due to apprehensions of the services being misused.

Internet services across all platforms continued to remain snapped in the Valley, they added. PTI