Restrictions imposed in parts of Srinagar due to protests by separatists

Separatist leaders have called for a strike to mark the death anniversary of JKLF founder Mohammad Maqbool Bhat

Authorities today imposed restrictions in parts of the city to thwart protests by separatists, who have called for a strike to mark the death anniversary of JKLF founder Mohammad Maqbool Bhat.

Restrictions have been imposed in six police station areas of the city as a precautionary measure in view of apprehensions of law and order problems, a police official said.

He said the restrictions have been imposed in Khanyar, Maharajgunj, Rainawari, Safakadal, Nowhatta and Maisuma police station areas for maintaining law and order.

The separatist groups have called for a general strike to mark the death anniversary of Bhat, who was hanged and buried in Tihar Jail in 1984.

While top separatist leaders like Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq are out of station, several others have been detained or put under house arrest.

Normal life was disrupted across the Valley due to the strike.

Most of the shops, private offices and business establishments across district headquarters were shut, while public transport was sparse, officials said.

However, they said, private cars, cabs and auto-rickshaws were seen plying normally.

They said the effect of the strike was accentuated because of the inclement weather.