Restrictions in place to foil protests in Kashmir Valley

Srinagar, June 23

Authorities imposed restrictions in some areas in this summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday after separatists announced post-prayer protests in the Valley.

“Restrictions under Section 144 have been imposed to maintain law and order in areas falling under the jurisdiction of Khanyar, Nowhatta, MR Gunj, Safakadal and Maisuma police stations,” a senior police officer said here.

Under the curbs, there can be no gathering of five or more people at any place.

The separatists have called for protests after the Friday prayers against the killing of a civilian, Touseef Ahmad Wani, 22, in Kakapora in Pulwama district in firing by security forces on Thursday.

Wani was killed when a mob attacked the Kakapora police post on Thursday after three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants were killed in the area by the security forces.

June 23 is the last Friday of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan. Large gatherings are expected in various mosques in the Kashmir Valley on Friday.

Large contingents of police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been deployed in strength in different parts of Srinagar city and other places in the Valley on Friday. IANS