Authorities impose restrictions in parts of Kashmir

Restrictions were imposed in several areas in Kashmir to maintain law and order, even as a strike called by separatists disrupted normal life in the valley today.
Restrictions were in place in many areas in the valley, a police official said.
He said the restrictions continued in five police station areas of Nowhatta, Rainawari, Khanyar, M R Gunj and Safakadal in Srinagar for the second day today.
The official said the curbs were also imposed this morning in Kulgam district and Anantnag, Chadoora and Nagam towns to maintain law and order.
He said the restrictions were in place to prevent any untoward incident.

A thick security blanket was thrown around Bakshi stadium, the venue for the main Independence Day function in the state where Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti presides over the celebrations, the official said.

Snipers were posted atop high-rise buildings across the city to thwart any attempt by militants to disrupt the celebrations, he said.
Mobile phone services and portable internet services were snapped across Kashmir as a precautionary measure, he added.
Meanwhile, normal life was disrupted across Kashmir due to the strike called by separatists against Independence Day celebrations.
Shops, fuel stations and other business establishments were shut across Kashmir, while public transport was off the roads, the official said.

The official said the effect of the strike was accentuated by a holiday on account of Independence Day.