Srinagar: While prime minster arrived valley a complete shutdown was observed across the Valley on Tuesday on call of separatist leaders. Authorities imposed restrictions in the summer capital and stringent security measures that were put in place to ensure that Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s 2-day visit to Kashmir passes off peacefully.
Separatists called for a general strike to coincide with the Mr. Singh’s visit. Shops, businesses establishment, schools and other government offices were closed.
Eyewitness told news agency, “In downtown Srinagar, police and paramilitary CRPF men were deployed in large numbers to impose restrictions. The locals alleged that curfew like situation was imposed in the area as forces didn’t allow them to venture out of their homes. Most of the roads and streets were barricaded by concertina wires to check pedestrian and vehicular movement.
“After the yesterday’s militant attack, the situation had become more challenging, so a number of measures had been taken to avoid any problem when the PM will be in town,†a senior police officer, informed news agency on the condition of anonymity.
The situation was no different in uptown Srinagar; strict arrangements were put in place in and around the SKICC where Prime Minster was joining the function.
Lal Chowk was also out of bounds for people as large contingents of CRPF and police personnel were deployed around it and all the roads leading to it were barricaded.
Elsewhere in the Valley, complete shutdown was observed with shops remaining closed and traffic off the roads.
Eye witness told news agency complete shutdown was observed in Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal and Kupwara districts of North Kashmir. Police and paramilitary CRPF personnel were deployed in strength in north Kashmir’s volatile Sopore town to prevent any protests.
Life was also paralyzed by the strike in south Kashmir districts of Kulgam, Islamabad (Anantnag), Shopian and Pulwama.
Meanwhile Authorities on Tuesday placed the both factions of Hurriyat Conference Chairman Syed Ali shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umer Farooq under house arrest.
Spokesperson of Hurriyat (M) informed news agency that policemen cordoned off Mirwaiz Nageen residence this morning and informed him that he cannot move out.
