Restriction continues in SeK, downtown, lifted in Maisuma, Kralkhud

However, restrictions imposed in areas under Kralkhud in the old city and Maisuma in the civil lines yesterday, when separatists had called for a general strike on 86th death anniversary of 22 martyrs, killed during Dogra rule outside the central Jail, Srinagar in 1931, have been lifted today.

Police said that restrictions under Section 144 CrPC continued for the third consecutive day today in the areas falling under five police stations of Nowhatta, M R Gunj, Safa Kadal, Khanyar and Rainwari in the down town and SeK.

However, the situation on the ground remained entirely different as people were being directed to remain indoor by the security forces and state police personnel.

Restrictions were imposed on July 12 immediately after the news spread that one of the three militants killed in Badgam encounter, was a resident of Nowhatta down town and people, mostly youths hit the streets pelting stones and raising separatist slogans.

To prevent Friday demonstrations, authorities continued restrictions in the downtown and SeK. Majority of these areas, particularly Nowhatta, are witnessing demonstrations after Friday prayers every week.

The main Nallahmar road from Khanayar to Chattabal remained closed with barbed wire and by parking bullet proof vehicles in the middle at several places. Residents on both sides of the busy Nallahmar road were directed to remain indoor by the security forces and state police. ''We are facing acute shortage of essentials, particularly milk, bread and vegetables," they said, adding that vendors from outskirts were not being allowed to enter the areas where restrictions had been imposed.

Main roads at Safa Kadal, Nawa Bazar, Nawa Kadal, Rangar Stop, Khanyar, Rajouri Kadal, Seki Dafar and Nawa Kadal have also been closed. Security forces had to burst teargas shells and resort to lathicharge to disperse the demonstrators at several place in the downtown last night.

The main gates of the Masjid, stronghold of chairman of moderate Hurriyat Conference (HC) Mirwaiz Moulvi Omar Farooq, remained closed for the past three days. Large number of security forces and state police personnel remained deployed in the Jamia market to prevent any untoward incident. No Friday prayers could be offered in the historic Masjid for the past one month due to restrictions every week.

Similar situation was also witnessed in other areas of SeK and down town. At Rainawari the security forces were directed people to remain indoor.The main road to Hazratbal shrine, which houses the Holy Relic of Prophet Muhammad, was open.