Curfew-like restrictions in SeK, downtown, civil lines Srinagar

Srinagar, Dec 20: Curfew-like restrictions have been imposed on Wednesday in the Shehar-e-Khas (SeK) and downtown besides parts of old city and civil lines in Srinagar to prevent any law and order problem following strike called by separatists against the killing of two civilians, including a woman, in alleged security force firing in the Kashmir valley. 

Police said Restrictions under Section 144 CrPC have been imposed in the SeK and downtown areas falling under the jurisdiction of five police stations of M R Gunj, Safa Kadal, Nowhatta, Khanyar and Rainawari besides some areas in Kralkhud and Maisuma since this morning to maintain law and order. 
The Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL), comprising Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwgaiz Moulvi Omar Farooq and Mohammad Yaseen Malik have called for a general strike on Wednesday against the killing of a driver in Kupwara and a woman in Shopian in security force firing. However, security forces claimed that they were killed in an exchange of fire.
The main gates of historic Jamia Masjid, stronghold of moderate Hurriyat Conference (HC) chairman Mirwaiz, were again closed and a large number of security forces and state police personnel deployed to prevent devotees from going inside. All roads to Masjid have been closed with barbed wire by the security forces, who were directing people to remain indoor. A large number of security forces were deployed in the Jamia market. The main road at Nowhatta, Gojwara and Khwaja Bazar has also been closed at several places and people coming from outskirts were being directed to take alternative route . 
The entire Nallahmar road from Khanyar to Nawa Kadal was closed for any traffic and pedestrian movement. Security forces had placed barbed wire and parked bullet proof vehicles in the middle of the road. Similar restrictions were imposed on other roads in the SeK and downtown. 
Residents on both sides of the Nallahmar road alleged that they were not being allowed to move out of their houses by security force deployed near their houses. 'We were directed to remain indoor since curfew has been imposed since this morning,' they alleged and said milkmen and vegetable sellers from outskirts were directed to go back. The local bread-makers also could not open their shops due to restrictions, the residents alleged.
Security forces have also closed all roads leading to Maisuma, stronghold of separatist leader Malik to prevent any demonstration. A large number of security forces and state police personnel have been deployed since early this morning despite rain and chilly conditions in the area. Road at Haji Masjid, Budshah Chowk, Red Cross and Gaw Kadal to Maisuma have been closed with barbed wire. UNI