Shutdown, official restrictions affect life in Srinagar

Authorities continued restrictions in Srinagar city and some other major towns of Kashmir Monday for the second consecutive day to prevent separatist protests.

Shops, private and public transport services remained closed in Srinagar and some other towns in Kashmir following restrictions imposed by the officials and the shutdown called by the separatists.

Separatist groups have called for a three-day protest shutdown till Tuesday to press for the return of mortal remains of Afzal Guru and Muhammad Maqbool Bhat, who were hanged in Tihar Jail Feb 9, 2013, and Feb 11, 1984, respectively.

They were subsequently buried in the jail compound.

All separatist leaders, including Muhammad Yasin Malik, Shabir Ahmad Shah and Muhammad Nayeem Khan have been taken into preventive custody by the police, while hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani has been placed under house arrest.

"These are preventive measures taken to maintain law and order in the city and some other places in the valley", said a senior police officer here.

Sporadic incidents of protestors throwing stones at the security forces were witnessed Sunday at a few places in Ganderbal, Baramulla and Bandipora districts.

Police said the security forces exercised restraint while bringing the situation under control and nobody was injured in the clashes.

Meanwhile, Kashmir University has postponed all its exams scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.