Govt curbs foil Lal Chowk march

Srinagar: State authorities Thursday clamped curfew and restrictions in several parts of the Valley to scuttle the march to Lal Chowk, called by Hurriyat Conference (G) in its latest resistance programme issued last week.

Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani that spearheads ongoing ‘Quit Kashmir’ campaign had asked people to march to the historic Lal Chowk, where the pro-freedom leader ship was scheduled to address the gathering. However, like past, government imposed curfew and restrictions in Srinagar and North Kashmir’s Baramulla districts to foil the programme.

Srinagar city, witnessed harsh curfew as hundreds of paramilitary CRPF and police, equipped with riot gear and automatic rifles manned the lanes, by lanes and roads to prevent people from venturing out of their houses. In Nowhatta, Khanyar, Safa Kadal, Rainawari, Maharaj Gunj of the old city and uptown areas Kothibagh, Maisuma, Kralkhud, Sadder, Shergari, Shaheedgunj, Batmaloo curfew was strictly enforced by troops and police and the people were confined to their houses.

Lal chowk, the venue of the Hurriyat march was cordoned off by CRPF men and police early this morning. All roads leading to the historic Ghanta Ghar were sealed off by CRPF and police with spools of barbed wire and barricades. The forces also kept a close watch in and around sadder court following inputs that a group of lawyers were planning to take out a rally to the city centre.

Curfew was also clamped in several areas of Baramulla district, including Sopore town, considered to be the bastion of veteran leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

Meanwhile, normal life today remained paralyzed today in view of government curbs coupled with Hurriyat Conference (G) called shutdown across the Valley.

All shops, business establishments, private and public offices, banks and financial institutions and petrol pumps remained today, while traffic was off the roads. Skeletal traffic mainly private and the vehicles carrying police and troops were only seen plying on the roads of this capital city.