Restrictions continue in parts of Srinagar

Restrictions continued in parts of Srinagar city for the second day today following death of a youth in security forces firing in Palhallan area of Baramulla district during protests on the second anniversary of execution of Parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru.
Curfew-like restrictions continued in Safakadal, Maharaj Gunj, Khanyar, Rainawari and Nowhatta police station areas in the old city and Maisuma police station area in the commercial hub of Lal Chowk, officials said.
"Restrictions under Section 144 CrPC remain in force in these areas for maintaining law and order," Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Lone told PTI.
Residents of old city said police and paramilitary CRPF have been deployed in large numbers while many lanes and bylanes have been sealed by concertina wires to prevent people from pouring out on main roads.

The restrictions under Section 144 CrPC were imposed yesterday as separatists had planned to stage protests on Guru's second execution anniversary and demand the return of his mortal remains.
A youth, Farooq Ahmad Bhat, was killed and another injured in security forces firing at Palhallan during the protest, forcing the authorities to continue the prohibitory orders.

Heavy deployment of police and paramilitary CRPF has been made at Palhallan and adjoining areas to prevent a flare up in the situation in view of yesterday's incident, the officials said.
Life in rest of the Valley was also affected as separatist groups called for a strike to protest against Bhat's killing.

Commercial establishments were closed and public transport remained off the roads due to the strike.