SRINAGAR, DEC 17 : Authorities on Monday imposed curfew-like restrictions in Srinagar to prevent a separatist-called protest march against the civilian killings which took place in Pulwama district on the weekend.
The protest March was called by separatists towards the Army’s Badami Bagh cantonment headquarters in the city.
Meanwhile restrictions will remain in force in Ram Munshibagh, Rainawari, Khanyar, Nowhatta, M.R. Gunj and Safa Kadal areas, with partial restrictions in Maisuma and Kralkhud.
A shutdown was also observed in Banihal, Khari, Bhaderwah, Doda, Thathri, Gandoh and Kishtwar areas of Chenab valley region in protest against the civilian killings.
Mobile internet services continued to remain suspended in Srinagar and south Kashmir districts for the third consecutive day. Train services across Kashmir Valley also remained suspended for the second day.
North Kashmir’s Baramulla, Sopore, Sangrama, Pattan, Sheeri, Boniyar, Rafiabad, Qaziabad, Zaingir, Langate, Handwara, Kupwara, Kralpora, Lolab, Hajin, Sonawari and Bandipora areas all observed a complete shutdown.
In south Kashmir, strict restrictions were imposed in Pulwama, Pampore, Awantipora, Tral, Shopian, Anantnag and Kulgam areas to prevent any protests against the killings.
In Srinagar, government forces were deployed at many places and concertina wires used to block roads.
Police foiled the Badami Bagh chalo march by detaining the JKLF chief Yasin Malik in Srinagar.
Reports said that Malik who had gone underground to evade arrest was detained at Budshah bridge after he took out a march towards Badami Bagh army base.
They said that Malik took out a march from Gaw Kadal along with his supporters, including women, and as soon as he reached Budshah bridge police swung into action.
“Police fired tear gas shells to foil the protest,” said a witness, adding that Malik was taken into custody.
Meanwhile Authorities also foiled the protest march of Hurriyat Conference (M) chairperson Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and detained him at Nigeen Police Station.
A spokesperson of Mirwaiz said that Mirwaiz, who was under house detention, defied the house detention and tried to march towards Badami Bagh Army Cantonment against the “unabated killings” by Indian forces all over the Kashmir especially in South Kashmir’s Pulwama where “trigger happy” forces have “massacred” 7 youth and injured hundreds by using live bullets and pellets.
Addressing the supporters outside his residence, Mirwaiz said that it has become the routine of Govt forces to vandalise and blow up the houses, beat people in Kashmir in the name of CASO. “It is the frustration of Indian forces as they have just lost war in Kashmir.”
“As Mirwaiz tried to defy his house detention to march towards Badam Bagh Army Cantonment, number of police personnel already deployed outside his Nigeen residence detained him along with his supporters and lodged him Nigeen Police Station.”
Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) has called for a shutdown and march to Badami Bagh army base today to protest the killings of seven civilians over the weekend in Pulwama.
