Curfew, restrictions foil Eidgah march

Srinagar: Authorities on Friday clamped curfew and restrictions in Srinagar city to foil Eidgah march called by the Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani and also prevent protests against the assault on Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, the chairman of parallel faction of the pro-self determination group.

On Thursday afternoon, violent clashes erupted in old city when the news of the alleged assault on Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq at a Chandigarh seminar spread.

Fearing more protests in the old city, considered to be the bastion of Mirwaiz and the proposed construction of resistance wall at Martyr’s graveyard Eidgah by Hurriyat Conference, led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, the state administration imposed curfew and restrictions across the city.

Correspondent said that curfew was strictly enforced in Rainwari, Nowhatta, Khanyar, Maharaj Gunj and Safakadal areas of the old city to scuttle the Hurriyat Conference (G) march. Hundreds of paramilitary CRPF and police, equipped with riot gear and automatic rifles patrolled the deserted lanes, by lanes and roads to keep a close watch on the movement of the people.

Eidgah, the venue of the Hurriyat March was cordoned off by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) troops and police from all the directions early this morning. All the roads leading to the venue were sealed off with barricades and barbed wire by forces. At many places armored vehicles were used to create blockades.

Restrictions were also imposed in Brein, Nishat, where protests broke out last evening. Two people identified as Kaisar Ahmad Baba, son of Abdul Majid and Mohammad Younis Ganai, son of Ghulam Hassan Ganai were arrested by police.

The family of Zahid Farooq charged police of harassment following the protests in the area.

“The policemen barged into our house and thrashed inmates. They charged us of instigating protests after the Court decision. The cops did not even spare my daughter, Aqsa,” Farooq said.

Meanwhile, violent clashes broke out in Humhama area of the civil lines when CRPF troops and police used force to break up pro-freedom demonstrations this afternoon.

Reports said scores of people mainly youth took to streets after offering congregational Friday prayers at Humhama area of the city outskirts and staged pro-freedom and anti-India demonstrations. Chanting “We want freedom,” “Islam Zindabad,” “Go India Go Back,” and other anti-India slogans, the people tried to march towards Eidgah, in response to the Hurriyat call. However, CRPF and police deployed in advance intercepted the protesters on the old Airport road. Forces resorted to cane charged and burst teargas canisters when the protesters offered stiff resistance and tried to march to the old city. The police action turned the protesters furious. Amidst chanting of pro-Azadi slogans, the protesters pelted rocks and stones on the forces sparking off fierce clashes.

Forces also burst teargas canisters to stop marchers near Tengpora Bemina.

Post-prayers protests also erupted in Arampora, Chankhan, Main Chowk and other areas of Sopore town in Baramulla district.

Correspondent from North Kashmir said that scores of people assembled at main chowk this afternoon and staged pro-freedom and anti-India demonstrations. Besides shouting pro-Independence and anti-India slogans, the protesters pelted rocks and stones on the forces. Later, forces chased away the stone pelting youth.

However, peaceful protests were held at main town Baramulla and Palhalan.

Meanwhile, reports of protests and clashes have also poured in from Shopian, Pulwama and Islamabad districts of South Kashmir.