Curfew-like restrictions imposed in parts of Srinagar

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir imposed restrictions in parts of the city on Friday to scuttle separatist-called protests.

Srinagar District Magistrate Farooq Ahmad Lone said restrictions under section 144 of CrPC would remain in force in Rainawari, Khanyar, Nowhatta, M.R. Gunj, Safa Kadal, Kralkhud and Maisuma.

The police and paramilitary contingents have disallowed all vehicular and pedestrian movement in these areas.

The separatists have called for post-Friday prayer protests in the Kashmir Valley.

Senior separatist leaders including Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Yasin Malik have been placed under detention to prevent their participation in the protests.

While Malik has been lodged in Srinagar Central Jail, Geelani and Mirwaiz continue to remain under house arrest in the city.

Shops, public transport and other businesses remained closed here while skeletal private transport plied on the roads.

Attendance in banks, post offices and government offices was also affected because of the non-availability of public transport.

The Amarnath Yatra pilgrims' movement, however, remained unaffected.

Reports from other cities and towns in the valley also indicated life was adversely affected by the separatist protest call.

--IANS

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