Restrictions lifted in downtown, SeK in Srinagar

Srinagar, Dec 9: Restrictions, imposed in the Shehar-e-Khas (SeK) and downtown Srinagar from Friday morning to prevent any law and order problem following call by separatists to hold demonstrations after prayers against the US decision of declaring Jerusalem as capital of Israel, have been lifted.

Meanwhile, all gates of historic Jamia Masjid, stronghold of moderate Hurriyat Conference (HC) chairman Mirwaiz Moulvi Omar Farooq, which had been closed since yesterday, are open. Due to restrictions, Friday prayers could not be offered in the Masjid.
Police said there are no restrictions in any part of the summer capital on Saturday. Restrictions under Section 144 CrPC had been imposed in some areas of the downtown and SeK as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order. However, the situation on the ground was entirely different as security forces had closed all main roads with barbed wire and directed people to remain indoor.
The restrictions had been removed and additional security forces deployed to strictly implement restrictions were also withdrawn. The main Nallahmar was opened after security forces removed road blocks. Milkmen and vegetable sellers,who were prevented yesterday, were doing good business this morning.
All roads leading to historic Jamia Masjid are open as were the shops and other business establishments in the Jamia market.
The “Joint Resistance Leadership” comprising Geelani, Mirwaiz and Mohammad Yaseen Malik, had asked people to hold demonstrations in their respective areas after Friday prayers against the US move. UNI