Restrictions in south Kashmir town, all entry points sealed

Suhail A Shah

Anantnag, December 15

Curfew-like restrictions were imposed on Friday in Anantnag town of south Kashmir and its peripheries to thwart a march called by separatist leaders.

Internet services remained suspended in Anantnag district while train services were also pulled off on the Banihal-Srinagar stretch.

The authorities imposed Section 144 in the area and sealed off every entry point to Anantnag. Barricades were also laid at several places along the Srinagar-Anantnag stretch of the national highway to prevent any movement.

“Barricades had been erected at Sangam, Bijbehara, Khannabal and few other places to prevent people from marching towards Lal Chowk,” a source said. They said that only Srinagar-bound traffic was allowed on the national highway by the authorities.

In Anantnag town, use of a public address system during Friday congregational prayers at the Jama Masjid was not allowed by the authorities.

Moreover, all lanes and bylanes leading to Anantnag’s Lal Chowk were barricaded. Shops and other commercial establishments remained closed in Anantnag and Bijbehara towns.

Anantnag SSP Altaf Khan said that the day passed off peacefully and no incident of violence was reported from anywhere. Sources however said minor stone-throwing was reported from the Kadipora and Janglat Mandi areas of the main town.

Section 144 in place

• The authorities imposed Section 144 in the area and sealed off every entry point to Anantnag. Barricades were also laid at several places along the Srinagar-Anantnag stretch of the national highway to prevent any movement
• In Anantnag town, use of a public address system during Friday congregational prayers at the Jama Masjid was not allowed by the authorities