Markets in Srinagar city closed; at least 10 held

A day after Yasin Malik's conviction, markets in the heart of Srinagar city remained closed on Thursday even as the J&K Police arrested at least 10 youngsters who allegedly indulged in stone pelting and raised anti-India sloganeering on Wednesday.

"Ten people have been arrested so far for anti-national sloganeering and stone pelting outside the home of Yasin Malik, prior to the sentencing, in Maisuma on Wednesday. All other areas remained peaceful. Youths are again requested not to indulge in activities that can spoil their careers and disrupt families," Srinagar police informed.

The J&K Police officials said that they have identified other youngsters who participated in the protests and they would be arrested soon. "A case has been registered under ULPA and IPC. The main instigators will be booked under the Public Safety Act. Such anti-national activities and provocative posture will always be dealt with strictly and with full force of the law," Srinagar police said.


The administration had deployed additional forces in and around Maisuma area, where Malik lives, and the speed of mobile internet was also slowed in the adjoining areas to avoid any speedy flow of information and to scuttle any further protests. The markets in Polo View, Residency Road, Ghanta Ghar, MA Road and Maisuma remained mostly shut. However, public and private vehicles were seen plying on the roads.