Curfew-like restrictions back in SeK, downtown Srinagar

Srinagar, Sept 25: Curfew-like restrictions were imposed in Shehar-e-Khas (SeK) and downtown in summer capital, Srinagar, as a precautionary measure following strike called by Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) in protest against summoning of its president Mohammad Yaseen Khan by National Investigation Agency (NIA) in terror funding case. The strike call was also supported by transporters and “Joint Resistance Leadership” of both the factions of the Hurriyat Conference (HC) and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), who are also protesting against summoning of Kashmir University (KU) scholar Aala Fazili by the NIA. Both Khan and Fazili have to appear before the NIA at New Delhi on Monday. Police said that restrictions under Section 144 CrPC have been imposed in areas falling under the jurisdiction of five police stations of M R Gunj, Nowhatta, Khanyar, Safa Kadal and Rainawari since early on Monday morning to maintain law and order. However, the situation on the ground was entirely different as security force, wearing bullet proof jackets, leg-guards holding automatic weapons and lathis in their hands, had closed all main roads and bylanes with barbed wire on Monday morning. The entire Nallahmar road from Nawa Kadal to Khanyar was closed at several places with barbed wire and by parking bullet proof vehicles to prevent any movement. Residents on both sides of the Nallahmar road alleged that they were directed to remain indoor by the security forces deployed in large number. Repeated announcements were being that curfew has been imposed in the down town and SeK. People alleged security forces did not allow milkmen and vegetable seller to enter the restricted area from outskirts. However, security forces removed barbed wire at Safa Kadal bridge which was also closed since early on Monday morning. Vehicles, carrying patients and ambulances were being allowed to S K Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) after their proper checking. Main road at Hawal, leading to historic Jamia Masjid was also closed with barbed wire and people were being directed to return to their homes since curfew has been imposed. Similar restrictions had been imposed in other areas of the down town and SeK. The main gates of historic Jamia Masjid, stronghold of moderate HC chairman Mirwaiz Moulvi Omar Farooq, were also closed yet again after allowing Friday prayers for two consecutive weeks. Large number of security forces and state police personnel remained deployed in the Jamia market to prevent people from entering the Masjid. NIA has summoned Khan and Fazili on Monday at New Delhi in connection with terror funding. The investigation agency has so far arrested about a dozen separatists and businessmen besides a photo-journalist in connection with alleged terror funding from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK). The NIA has registered a formal FIR after National Front (NF) chairman Nayeem Ahmad Khan allegedly confirmed during a sting operation that separatists were receiving funds from abroad for financing militancy and stone pelting in Kashmir valley. Khan was later suspended from hardline HC. UNI